Marine Fisheries Stakeholders in India Explore Port State Measures 

 

As part of India's broader initiative to strengthen fisheries' governance and combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, a National Sensitization Workshop on the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) was held in Kochi from February 10-11, 2025. Organized by the Department of Fisheries (FisheriesGoI) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBPIGO), this workshop kickstarted a larger national program on the implementation of the 2009 FAO Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) to conclude with a high-level meeting in New Delhi on February 13.

The PSMA is the first legally binding international agreement designed to deny port access to vessels engaged in IUU fishing, thereby disrupting illicit seafood trade and promoting sustainable fishing practices. While India actively supported the development process of the PSMA, it is yet to become a party to the PSMA. The BOBP-IGO is supporting the Government of India through policy and legal review and stakeholder engagement to accelerate the process of accession to PSMA.

The workshop saw the participation of international experts, government officials, researchers, industry representatives, and fisher community organizations. Dr. Matthew Camilleri and Ms. Alicia Mosteiro Cabanelas from FAO, along with Dr. Mohammed Koya, Fisheries Development Commissioner, Government of India, Dr. M. Karthikeyan, Director, MPEDA, and Dr. P. Krishnan director, BOBP-IGO, led discussions on strengthening India’s monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) mechanisms through PSMA. Over 40 participants, including fisheries officers from 11 states and 2 Union Territories, scientists, fisher organizations, INGOs, and traders, took part.

The workshop underscored BOBP-IGO’s role in regional cooperation, capacity building, and policy advocacy, ensuring that India’s PSMA accession is well-informed by global best practices and regional priorities. Discussions focused on enhancing port-based enforcement, improving seafood traceability, and fostering South Asian collaboration to combat IUU fishing. The key takeaways will shape India's long-term fisheries governance strategy and feed into the high-level meeting in New Delhi, where policymakers will assess India’s roadmap for PSMA accession.

Stay updated on BOBP-IGO’s work in sustainable fisheries governance by following @BOBPIGO on social media.

BOBP-IGO and TNNLU Launch Postgraduate Diploma in Fisheries Law and Policy

 

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen fisheries governance and capacity building in the Bay of Bengal region, the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBPIGO), in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU), officially launched a new Postgraduate Diploma in Fisheries Law and Policy during the National Sensitization Workshop on PSMA in Kochi (Feb 10-11, 2025).

This specialized diploma course is designed to equip professionals, policymakers, and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of fisheries law and policy, covering key aspects such as international agreements, national regulations, fisheries management, and ocean governance. By integrating legal, economic, and environmental dimensions, the program aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps and support effective fisheries governance in India and the Bay of Bengal region.

The launch event saw participation from government officials, legal experts, fisheries researchers, and industry stakeholders, reflecting the growing demand for formal training in fisheries law and policy. The initiative aligns with BOBP-IGO’s broader commitment to capacity-building and regional cooperation, particularly in supporting India’s efforts towards PSMA implementation and combating IUU fishing.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP-IGO, emphasized the need for strong legal and policy frameworks to support sustainable fisheries management and highlighted the role of this diploma program in training the next generation of fisheries professionals. Prof. (Dr.) Amirthalingam (TNNLU) underscored the significance of legal education in addressing contemporary fisheries challenges, and ensuring compliance with national and international laws.

Union Fisheries Minister Visits BOBP-IGO Stall at 14AFAF EXPO

 

Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India, along with Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries), Dept. of Fisheries, Govt. of India, Dr. J. K. Jena, DDG (Fisheries), Indian Council of Agricultural Research and other senior officials from Government of India visited the BOBP Stall at the 14AFAF Expo held in  the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC) in New Delhi from 12 – 15 February 2025. 

The Director gave a brief outline of the key initiatives taken by BOBP-IGO on regional cooperation, data-driven research management, and various partnership programs undertaken jointly with FAO and GoI. 

Dr. Matthew Camilleri and Dr. Alicia  from FAO, Rome and Dr. Rishi Sharma and Ms. Angela Lentisco from FAO-RAP, Bangkok were present at the BOBP-FAO joint exhibition to interact with visitors.

The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) is a scientific forum organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) once every three years to understand global trends and address issues and challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The theme of this year is ‘Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific’.

Policymakers Discuss the Future of Small-Scale Fisheries

 

Policymakers from Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, along with representatives from regional and international organizations and experts, convened in Lankanfinolhu, Maldives, to address the challenges of drudgery in small-scale fisheries and explore whether an ecosystem approach can ensure the sustainability of the sector.

The high-level meeting, titled "Policy Guidance for Mainstreaming the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Small-Scale Fisheries," was organized by the Ministry of Fisheries & Ocean Resources, Government of the Maldives, and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO). It was held from 20–22 February 2025 under the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project, funded by GEF and NORAD and implemented by FAO.

Mr. Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries & Ocean Resources, Government of the Maldives, inaugurated the meeting in the presence of Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India; Mr. Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Sri Lanka; Mr. Md. Imam Uddin Kabir, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Government of Bangladesh; and Dr. Hussain Sinan, Director General, Ministry of Fisheries & Ocean Resources, Government of the Maldives. Representatives from FAO, UNODC, ICSF, and other dignitaries also participated. The inaugural ceremony was attended by the High Commissioners of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to the Maldives, underscoring regional solidarity on the issue.

Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP-IGO, welcomed the delegates and set the stage with a presentation on the evolution of the small-scale fisheries sector in the region, inter- and intra-sectoral challenges, and the need for greater policy attention. He also emphasized the necessity of a structured plan for managing fishing capacity and small-scale fisheries, complementing the EAFM framework—an idea that received strong appreciation from the participants.

The meeting concluded on 22 February with an exposition on tuna fisheries in the Maldives.

13th Meeting of the Governing Council of BOBP-IGO Held in the Maldives

 

The 13th Meeting of the Governing Council of the BOBP-IGO was successfully convened at Lankanfinolhu, Maldives on 21 February 2025. Senior representatives of Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, along with delegates from FAO, SEAFDEC and UNODC participated. The Governing Council is the highest decision-making body of the BOBP-IGO. It charts the policies, vision and work programmes of the Organisation during the annual meeting.

India and Sri Lanka were elected as the Chair and Vice Chair of the 13th Governing Council. Leading the Indian delegation, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India (GoI), emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in marine fisheries, knowledge exchange, and sustainable fisheries development in the Bay of Bengal region. He said that the Government of India will provide all support to the Organisation to realize its objectives.

Dr. P Krishnan, director, BOBP-IGO presented the activities and achievements of the Organisation during 2023-24 and presented plans and proposals for the coming years. The member-countries appreciated the achievements of the Organisation despite several operational constraints and suggested that countries should consider enhancing their support to the Organisation and its involvement in emerging regional issues. Observers from FAO, SEAFDEC and UNODC informed how their Organizations are working with BOBP-IGO and appreciated the support received, further corroborating the collective process.

BOBP-IGO at Honiara Summit 2025

 

The 2025 Honiara Summit was organized at Honiara, Solomon Islands from 25-27 Feb 2025. The Summit was participated by the country premiers, ministers and high officials from the Pacific; experts from UN and other international organizations; and heads of the Regional Fisheries Bodies. The focus of the Summit was on meaningful action and innovation towards achieving SDG14: Life Below Water.

The Summit was jointly hosted by the Government of Solomon Islands and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in close collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization of the (FAO) and the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.

Dr. Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO participated at the invitation from FAO and served in the Panel of technical sessions on climate change, role of RFBs in achieving SDG 14.4 and challenges and innovations in MCS. 

Strategize to Tackle Climate Change Impacts: BOBP Pitches at Honiara Summit 

 

Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP-IGO, delivered a talk at a side event on climate change co-hosted by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and FAO. He highlighted the climate change impacts on fisheries in the Bay of Bengal region and stressed the need for reimagining the way research is designed, technologies are developed and resources are managed, in order to mitigate climate impacts on coastal fishers and fisheries. 

Let's work together for climate-smart fisheries!

RSN Special Session Held in Honiara 

 

The special session of the Regional Fisheries Bodies Secretariat Network (RSN) was held on 24 Feb 2025 on the sidelines of the Honiara Summit 2025 organized in the Solomon Islands.

 
The meeting was held at the Secretariat of Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). Senior officials from FAO and heads of the RFBs from different regions participated. 

Dr. Krishnan, Director, BOBPIGO, who serves as vice-chair of RSN participated in this special meeting convened to discuss the strategy document and plan the side event of RSN in the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-2025).

BOBP-IGO Participates in ICSF-FSSF Sri Lanka Workshop on Strengthening Collaboration and Capacity-Building in Small-Scale Fisheries 

 

The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation participated in the international workshop on "Strengthening Collaboration and Capacity-Building in Small-Scale Fisheries", organized by the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) in partnership with the Forum for Small-scale Fisheries (FSSF), Sri Lanka from February 24-26, 2025 at the Tamarind Tree Garden Resort, Katunayaka, Sri Lanka. The workshop brought together 61 participants from various organisations of fishers and supporting fishers in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Mr. Rajdeep Mukherjee, Project Coordinator and IUU Fisheries Consultant, BOBLME Project, BOBP-IGO, participated in the event, contributing to critical discussions on transboundary fisheries governance and regional collaboration. Mr. Mukherjee highlighted the urgent need for stronger regional agendas for SSF within the Bay of Bengal, emphasizing inclusive governance, institutional support, and policy alignment to protect SSF interests in a rapidly changing marine economy.

Earlier, delivering the inaugural address, Mr. Dhammika Ranatunga, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Sri Lanka and Chair of the BOBLME Project, underscored that SSF communities are indispensable to food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity yet they continue to face policy neglect and marginalization compared to industrial fisheries.

BOBP-IGO Participates in ICSF-FSSF Sri Lanka Workshop on Strengthening Collaboration and Capacity-Building in Small-Scale Fisheries 

 

The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation participated in the international workshop on "Strengthening Collaboration and Capacity-Building in Small-Scale Fisheries", organized by the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) in partnership with the Forum for Small-scale Fisheries (FSSF), Sri Lanka from February 24-26, 2025 at the Tamarind Tree Garden Resort, Katunayaka, Sri Lanka. The workshop brought together 61 participants from various organisations of fishers and supporting fishers in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Mr. Rajdeep Mukherjee, Project Coordinator and IUU Fisheries Consultant, BOBLME Project, BOBP-IGO, participated in the event, contributing to critical discussions on transboundary fisheries governance and regional collaboration. Mr. Mukherjee highlighted the urgent need for stronger regional agendas for SSF within the Bay of Bengal, emphasizing inclusive governance, institutional support, and policy alignment to protect SSF interests in a rapidly changing marine economy.

Earlier, delivering the inaugural address, Mr. Dhammika Ranatunga, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Sri Lanka and Chair of the BOBLME Project, underscored that SSF communities are indispensable to food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity yet they continue to face policy neglect and marginalization compared to industrial fisheries.

Participation in the Training Programme on "Geo-Spatial Technologies for Agriculture" Organized By ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad

 

BOBP-IGO staff Mr. M. Krishna Mohan and Dr. T. Velumani, attended a training programme on Geo-spatial Technologies for Agriculture at ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, from February 17 to 21, 2025.

The sessions provided valuable insights into geo-spatial tools and techniques relevant to fisheries and coastal resource management. Key topics covered included database management systems, GIS and remote sensing fundamentals, suitability analysis, mapping, river network and catchment area delineation, IoT applications, drone-based data collection, and geo-spatial analysis using R software and other open-source tools. 

These learnings will be useful for habitat mapping, stock assessment, monitoring fishing efforts, and analyzing environmental impacts on marine and inland water resources.