Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 1 Editorial SeaSea safetysafety forfor small-scalesmall-scale fishermen:fishermen: MovingMoving fromfrom rhetoricrhetoric toto actionaction

rom February 1 to 7, some 70 It is therefore pertinent to recall the safety of small-scale fishermen, they experts from many countries efforts of the BOBP and the IGO in are not commensurate with the Fwill meet in Mahabalipuram this area. Four years ago, the magnitude of the problem.” for IFISH-3, the Third International Chennai Declaration on sea safety Life jackets have been distributed to Fishing Industry Safety and Health for artisanal and small-scale fishermen, subsidies have been Conference. It is being organised fishermen was adopted at a regional given for the Global Positioning jointly by the BOBP-IGO, the FAO workshop in Chennai (See box). System (GPS). In India, a of the United Nations and the Leading representatives from the comprehensive marine policy says Alaska Field Station of the National seven member-countries of BOBP at that sea safety issues ought to be Institute for Occupational Safety that time (Bangladesh, India, addressed, but it contains no and Health, USA. Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia, Sri specifics. This is the first time IFISH is being Lanka, Thailand) attended. In small-scale fisheries, the concept held outside the U.S. Appropriately Let us re-visit the Chennai of co-management is coming into enough, the conference will place a Declaration, study its focus. The success of community- special emphasis on the safety and recommendations and the action based fisheries management health of small-scale fishermen. taken since by governments, (CBFM) has been demonstrated fishermen, NGOs and others. This issue therefore focuses on sea successfully in the past. (The safety issues. Pages 6 to 11 Integration of safety issues into BOBP-supported extension services summarise the report of Mr Agnar member-countries’ fisheries policy project in Ranong Province, Erlingsson, consultant who visited and holistic fisheries management Thailand, is an example. However, four countries of the region and did frameworks: As Mr Agnar this project had no sea safety a comprehensive survey of sea Erlingsson puts it, “While some component.) Wherever CBFM is safety for small-scale fishermen. efforts are being made at provincial strong, it would provide an entry and national levels to improve the point for sea safety.

2 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 Fisheries and maritime exercise. It’s a question of attitude. administrations should enhance The fisher should be aware of the their knowledge of the operations dangers he faces and co-operate and constraints of artisanal and with efforts to reduce the danger. small-scale fisheries sectors …. Fisheries departments need to work Unlike commercial fishing and with fisheries co-operative societies registered vessels, small-scale and fisheries associations to spread fishing boats are so numerous and the message of safety. so varied in size, capacity, engine power and operational range, that Financial and other incentives to it’s an enormously challenging task encourage the wide use of safety for any government to set norms or equipment: These should be linked certify safety. The government to registration of boats and should organise studies and compliance with safety and training programs that systematically set out regulations, as consultant Erlingsson the status of fishing boats. points out. The following extracts from an FAO Strategies to involve the participation of fisher report on sea safety are enlightening: communities: Sea safety campaigns may flop unless the fishing “Some of the factors which have community is fully involved in the made fishing the most dangerous Legislation, regulation and enforcement at the national level: The remarks of consultant Agnar Excerpts from Chennai Declaration Erlingsson (pages 6-10) are pertinent. 1. Sea safety issues should be comprehensively integrated into member To take his comments on Tamil countries’ fishery policy and management frameworks. Nadu, there are no regulations for design and construction of fishing 2. Legislation, regulation and enforcement at the national level. boats. Fibre-reinforced plastic 3. Measures for a harmonized and holistic fisheries management (FRP) boats are of poor quality. framework for the Bay of Bengal. Enforcement of rules for safety 4. Incorporation of the FAO/IMO/ILO voluntary guidelines for the equipment is lacking. He design, construction and equipment of small fishing vessels and the recommends a process of FAO/IMO/ILO document for guidance on the training and certification of boatyards certification of fishing vessel personnel into regulatory frameworks, manufacturing FRP boats, training as appropriate. of boat surveyors, encouraging 5. Fisheries and maritime administrations should enhance their registration by linking it to knowledge of the operations and constraints of the artisanal and subsidies, updating of safety small-scale fisheries sectors in order to formulate effective regulations and marine accident guidelines, standards and regulations for the safety of fishing vessels, statistics. including certification and training of crews. Most small-scale fishing boats in 6. Development and implementation of education, training and this region are not insured. There’s awareness programmes which satisfy regulatory requirements, while unfortunately no mechanism to also building a culture of sea safety within artisanal and small-scale make insurance compulsory. fishing communities. Whenever a calamity occurs, the 7. Strategies that involve the participation of fisher communities, entire cost of boat restoration and families, the media and other stakeholders to promote adoption of a rehabilitation has to be borne by the wide range of safety measures. government. A car cannot take the 8. Measures to enhance the economic viability of artisanal and small- road without insurance; a similar scale fishing enterprises as an essential element of sea safety. rule should apply to fishing vessels 9. Financial and other incentives to encourage the wide use of safety in the sea. equipment, and training in the use of such equipment. Incorporation of FAO/IMO/ILO 10. R & D for cost-effective safety-related equipment relevant to the voluntary guidelines for the needs of artisanal and small-scale fisheries. design, construction and 11. Formulate a regional sea safety programme. equipment of small fishing vessels: There’s not much evidence of this 12. Address the issue of sea safety on an urgent basis. happening.

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 3 occupation in the world are: excessive fishing effort; increased competition; reduced profitability; From Alaska to Mahabalipuram economies in vessel maintenance, equipment and manpower; fatigue; Dr George A Conway, Chief of the recklessness; fisheries management Alaska Field Station of the National measures (which do not take Institute for Occupational Safety sufficient account of the human and Health (NIOSH) is one of the element or fishers’ safety into drivers of IFISH-3. He was also a consideration); diversified fishing key figure of IFISH 1 (held in operations unaccompanied by Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA training, traditional experience and in 2000), and IFISH 2 (held in skills. Alaska in 2003). Excerpts from his conversation with Bay of Bengal In developing countries, the News. consequences of loss of life can be How his work with sea safety devastating: widows have a low started: “We have been working on social standing, there is no welfare sea safety issues from 1991, state to support the family and with because Alaska had the highest number of fatalities in the fishing industry lack of alternative sources of in the U.S. (some 35 deaths a year). We were asked to set up surveillance, income, the widow and children prevention, and safety activities. may face destitution. We provided technical assistance to the Coast Guard, and collaborated Effective approaches to safety at sea with the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association and the North everywhere in the world and at all Pacific Vessel Owners’ Association. There were regulations implemented levels, rely on three lines of defense: for cold water fisheries in the U.S. under the Commercial Fishing Vessel • prevention (the most reliable and Sea Safety Act of 1988. That law required such devices as life rafts, personal floatation devices, EPIRBS (Emergency Position Indicating cost-effective component): Radio Beacons) which are satellite-based communication devices. suitable equipment, training, experience, information and The combined effect of all this: the mortality in Alaska fell dramatically, judgement to avoid getting into by more than 70%. It now stands at 10 to 12 deaths per year. trouble in the first place; How did IFISH come about? We held three domestic conferences in the • survival and self-rescue: the U.S. in 1992, 1995 and 1997. The last one, held in Seattle, suggested that equipment, training and attitudes we expand the scope of the conference. Result: IFISH 1 in 2000. There necessary to survive and effect were some 135 participants including FAO and ILO, from 17 countries. self-rescue when things start to IFISH-2 had some 125 participants from 20 countries. The FAO sponsored go wrong; participation by eight developing countries. • Search and Rescue (the most The view was expressed that the next IFISH conference should be held in costly and least reliable of the a developing country, and should emphasise sea safety in small-scale and three levels): systems of alert, artisanal fisheries. Dr Y S Yadava volunteered to host IFISH-3 on behalf of search and rescue, which are BOBP-IGO, and that’s how the conference has moved here. Further, this called upon when the first two was a logical sequel to the Chennai Declaration adopted in October 2001. lines of defense have failed. Any conclusions from IFISH-3 are not mandatory, but we believe that the process of information, discussion and exchange of views among a variety There are a number of areas where of fisheries experts from different parts of the world about safety issues, improvements can be made at the takes both knowledge and constructive action forward. We are very national level with FAO assistance: optimistic about the potential of IFISH-3. • provision and analysis of data identifying the cause of accidents; The Chennai Declaration • education and training of trainers, that the issue of sea safety be recommended the formulation and extensionists, fishermen and addressed on an urgent basis. implementation of a regional sea inspectors; However, little has been achieved so safety programme, employing a far and it is therefore time to address • improved fisheries management, consultative and participatory the multi-dimensional issues of sea safety regulation and approach, building upon safety on priority basis so that the enforcement; institutionally derived data, together rhetoric is turned into reality. • increased collaboration between with the operational experience of fishermen, fishers’ organizations artisanal and small-scale fisher – Y S Yadava and government.” communities. It also recommended

4 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 Coping with Tsunami

Coping with 12/26: They Will Overcome

“It was so brutal, so quick, so extensive, that we are still struggling to fully comprehend it,” said UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Fishers and fisher communities were bewildered, disoriented. The sea was their mother, their protector. How could she do this? The tsunami of 26 December 2004 that struck 12 countries in the Indian Ocean area was more than a killer (at least 220 000 people) and destroyer (property worth several billion dollars). It deprived fishers of their families and livelihoods and shattered their confidence. “Depression loses its power when fresh vision pierces the darkness,” said Peter Sinclair. A tsunami of relief overwhelmed fisher communities, reflecting the richness and nobility of the human spirit. Their terrible tragedy has given fishers and governments an opportunity to recreate a new world from the ruins of the old. “Build back better” is the motto of reconstruction. This is what sustains fishers and fisher communities, a tribe whose everyday life is full of adventure. On the first anniversary of the tsunami, they recalled the event with prayers, flowers, candle-light ceremonies and sirens. They look to the future with trepidation — and hope. Encouraged by the dedication and compassion that governments, individuals and institutions have shown. They will overcome.

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 5 Safety of Small Fishing Vessels SafetySafety ofof smallsmall fishingfishing vesselsvessels inin India,India, Maldives,Maldives, SriSri LankaLanka andand ThailandThailand

In October 2005, an FAO consultant, Agnar Erlingsson, carried out a survey and a detailed assessment of the safety of small fishing vessels in India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand on behalf of the FAO of the United Nations and the BOBP-IGO. A valuable 52-page report resulting from his study will be discussed at the IFISH-3 Conference, to be held from February 1 to 7, 2006 at Mahabalipuram (Chennai). Here are glimpses into what Mr Erlingsson saw and what he said.

r Agnar Erlingsson’s first- fishing vessels and of boatbuilding The boats: In Tamil Nadu, India, of-its-kind study on the capacity, discusses registration boats under 24m may be divided Msafety of small fishing procedures and regulations for into three groups – some 35 000 vessels (below 24m in length) in vessels, and various aspects kattumarams, lografts about 4.5 to Tamil Nadu (India), Maldives, Sri concerning safety. It concludes with 8m in length; some 8 000 vallams, Lanka and Thailand was carried out a number of recommendations for previously made of wood, nowadays in October 2005. The study was an the future. It also contains a “global from FRP (fibre-reinforced plastic) initiative of the Fisheries Industries perspective” and “issues for generally 8 to 9m long; some Division of FAO, Rome, and the discussion”. 12 000 mechanised craft, between 11 and 15m long, decked vessels of BOBP-IGO. It focused on “the General comments on safety: Mr wood, typically with a main diesel extent and effects of all the Erlingsson says that safety aspects engine of 70 to 120 H.P. mandatory requirements that existed of a craft relate to the vessel itself for fishing vessels under 24m in and to ancillary safety equipment on Fishing vessels in the Maldives may length,” and “how and why they are board. “The best safety equipment is be divided into three categories: the not effective”. the boat itself”. Safety features of Bokkura, used for coastal reef In the course of the study, the boats relate to boat design, fishing, a double-ended wooden consultant met transport and construction, watertight integrity, rowing boat 7 to 15 feet in length; fisheries officials, interviewed the stability and machinery. the Vadhu Dhoni, a wooden sailing Coast Guard or those responsible for Safety and Rescue (SAR), visited fishing ports and met their administrators, surveyed fishing boats of all categories, a few in some detail; surveyed local boatyards and their production status and interviewed their managers. The study has led to a comprehensive report. It will also serve as a discussion paper for the Third International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference or IFISH-3 to be organised in Mahabalipuram (Chennai) from February 1 through 7, 2006, by the BOBP-IGO in co-operation with the FAO and the Alaska Center of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), USA. For each country, the report The kattumaram of Tamil Nadu, India, is an excellent craft describes the current status of for small-scale fishermen, but has safety limitations.

6 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 boat 15 to 18 feet long, traditionally used in line trolling for tuna; and the Mas Dhoni, which fish for tuna by the pole and line method, and range in size from 50 feet to 110 feet in length, mechanized with engines from 80 H.P. to 500 H.P. Sri Lanka’s fishing craft are of four types: some 15 000 traditional dugout orus with outriggers; about 12 000 open boats with outboard motors; and some 3 000 mechanised boats of which some, fitted with 15-25 H.P. inboard engines, go out fishing for a few days a week; and larger boats, fitted with 30-80 H.P. inboard diesel engines that do fishing trips of 30 to 45 days. Thailand has some 2 800 traditional craft without engines; some 36 000 longtail boats, usually 5 to 8m long, with outboard motors; and about 15 000 mechanized boats, most of them between 15 and 25m long, with inboard engines. These are 1995 census figures, 11 years old. Most Thai fishing vessels are built Serious accidents to fishing vessels in the Maldives are rare, but of wood. There are very few FRP awareness of safety regulations should improve. boats. But new boat hulls are board the fishing boats although Fishing vessels must be registered usually of steel. there are no regulations to this for any regulatory enforcement to be Main Findings effect.” effective. “Present rules require all fishing boats that fish for profit to Mr Erlingsson’s report has a two- Mr Erlingsson says that to ensure be registered, but the rules are page summary of “main findings” some control over the safety of apparently not being followed with a tabular statement of “issues fishing vessels, it is necessary that because there is no motivation for and recommendations” for each they be registered, at least those that it,” says Mr Erlingsson. He therefore country; plus observations and are mechanically powered. Both recommends that such registration findings separately for each country governments and fishermen ought to be tied up with the discount or in the main text. be committed to this. Fishermen can subsidy fishermen are already be motivated by certification, award “The main finding of this study is getting on diesel oil. “Other ideas of fishing licences or subsidies — that in general, the safety of these and methods will definitely develop on fuel oil for example. small fishing vessels is not under as this system drops into place.” control,” says Mr Erlingsson. Governments should bear in mind “Regulations for registration may that search and rescue (SAR) is very Training/Education should cover exist but enforcement is very much costly, and registration is far cheaper. navigation, safety, first aid and minor engine repairs. Regulations at random. Regulations for design, Discussion on Tamil Nadu construction, safety equipment and do exist concerning minimum Mr Erlingsson says that from the crew qualifications are in most cases training and the qualifications of the non-existent — though those safety standpoint, fishing vessels in skipper and the engine driver, but responsible may have authority to Tamil Nadu should focus on four they are not enforced, These main areas: registration, training, set rules and enforce them. A qualifications should be checked notable exception to this is in the minimum practical safety equipment when the safety equipment of boats Maldives, where regulations for on board, certification of FRP is surveyed. boatbuilding. safety equipment are in place, On minimum practical safety although enforcement may be “It boils down to changes in attitude equipment on board, Mr Erlingsson somewhat lacking. In another and motivation on the part of says that some rules that exist do not country, Thailand, there is usually fishermen as well as the seem to be very effective. He has some safety equipment available on government, and processes in place.” suggested a revised list of equipment.

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 7 Safety of Small Fishing Vessels: Issues and Recommendations by Country Country Issues Recommendations

Tamil Nadu, Registration of boats is required. However, follow Registration is imperative for safety; this may be India up is not clear. Enforcement of rules for safety done through subsidy motivation. Training of equipment is seriously lacking. Control of surveyors is necessary. Rules for for safety qualifications and training of crew is deficient. No equipment may be enforced by linking diesel oil rules for design and construction. FRP boat subsidy with compliance. Safety regulations to be building of poor quality. Marine accident statistics updated. FRP boatyards to be certified. Statistics lacking. on accidents need to be improved. Maldives Registration pretty well in place. Vessels generally Present status good, but can be made better. well-built, but construction rules not in place. Fairly Training of surveyors and enforcement of rules to adequate safety equipment rules, but compliance is be improved. Qualifications of crew to be unsatisfactory. So are qualifications standards of enhanced. Safety equipment quality to be crew. FRP boats are generally good in quality. improved. FRP boatyards to be certified. Accident Boatyards maintain high standards, but lack statistics to be made available. standardization and certification. No statistics available on marine accidents. Sri Lanka Regulations for registration are in place but Better follow-up of registration needed. Regulations enforcement is lacking. No regulations exist for for design, construction and safety equipment to be construction, design or safety equipment, but rule- put in place. FRP boatyards to be certified, boats to making authority exists. Only informal rules for be inspected on completion. Surveyors of boats to boatbuilding – these do not seem to be working. be trained. Training and qualifications of crew to be Training and qualifications of crew not given all due consideration. SAR boats to be made standardized, and are deficient. FRP boatyards of available. Statistics should include record of doubtful quality. No coastguard or SAR vessels. accidents at sea. Statistics good but no record of accidents.

Thailand Registration procedures random, not systematic. Follow-up in all categories to be improved. This is No regulations for construction, design or safety to be done by applying fish licence motivation. equipment in place. Crew qualifications inadequate. Surveyors to be employed and trained for Use of safety equipment random. Thai Navy enforcement both in boatbuilding and for ships in effectively controls SAR. No statistics on marine service. Statistics on accidents at sea should be accidents. improved.

Enforcement of rules for safety equipment is often lacking in small-scale fisheries.

8 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 For non-mechanized kattumarams scantlings, methods and training – some sort of control should be and similar boats: No particular needs to be improved. Experienced imposed on boat-builders and their rules apart from oars and paddle if master builders or organisations methods. that is considered sensible. should be sought to set quality • Some design features should be For motorized and mechanized standards, provide training and improved; this applies specifically boats of up to 9 m length: An qualify the yards for certification to the height of coamings of engine electric torch (watertight), tools to given by a local statutory body. room openings, hatches and hatch repair motors, oars/paddle, a small “This way the customer would cover closures. Stability should buoyancy float to be marked with know what product he is getting and receive some attention in larger name /registration number of the a certain degree of safety and vessels. durability would be assured.” vessel, a bucket or a bailer. • Regulations for safety equipment For mechanized vessels of 9 m in Discussion on the Maldives: seem to be appropriate. But it’s length and more: a compass, Extracts from conclusions and questionable whether all the rules navigational lights in accordance recommendations: should apply for the smallest boats. with Colregs, bilge pumps, both There do not appear to be serious • Registration of fishing vessels in manual and mechanically driven, problems concerning the safety of Maldives is pretty well in place. All anchor with rope, paddle/oars, small fishing vessels in Maldives the vessels surveyed appeared to be bucket and bailer, buoyancy floats and their fishermen. A few well built and in fairly good condition. for all on board, marked with name/ recommendations: registration number of vessel, first • Serious accidents on fishing Training: Fishermen´s awareness of aid box, VHF communication, tool vessels are rare, mostly due to safety issues may be improved by kit and spares for engine, including engine breakdowns. No one training. Presently, all engine drivers one or more watertight battery interviewed could recall a recent take part in a course concerning torches. fatal incident on a Maldives fishing navigation and engine use; first aid boat. For vessels of more than 15 m and safety should be included as a length: In addition to the above, GPS • Many interviewed said that part of this course. and EPIRB, when an inexpensive awareness of safety regulations was Quality of safety equipment: Life type comes on the market. generally lacking amongst vests are required on all boats for all fishermen. Mr Erlingsson says that the quality persons aboard. The quality of these of local production of FRP 27-30 • There are no rules for the is not defined; they are stored in foot vallams – in the matter of making of FRP boats. Since these various places. It is important that a facilities, environment, materials, are taking over from wooden boats, minimum quality for life vests and Fishing vessels at the harbour in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 9 their storage facilities be described. is wanted. Fishing licenses or surveillance system and the coastal The Ministry of Transport should permits should be issued only to network of radio stations is worthy propose a definition with respect to registered boats. of praise, and should be material, operational buoyancy, strengthened and modernized. Regulations: Regulations should be support angle and marking. formulated for construction, Discussion on Thailand Safety equipment on small boats: navigation, safety and manning Here are extracts from conclusions/ Small boats may not always have standards. Requirements should be recommendations: proper storage facilities for laid down about the training and prescribed safety equipment. Life qualifications of vessel operators. Registration: All motor-driven boats vest requirements for at least two in Thailand should be registered Boatbuilding: Most boats, people on all such boats would with the Marine Office. Proper traditional or modern, are built in mean adequate storage on those registration and a valid certificate FRP by the country’s 75 boatyards. boats. Alternatively, life floats could should be a prerequisite for a fishing None of these yards are certified; be considered. license, otherwise safety regulations most employ workers with little or may be difficult to enforce. Certification of FRP boat yards: no formal training. Boatbuilding Some sort of a certification system standards in accordance with Regulations: For all decked and could be developed in Maldives for internationally accepted levels and mechanized fishing vessels, boatyards so that customers know practices should be enforced. This is regulations will have to be put in what kind of a contract they are already being done by a handful of place; this should be the entering into and what product they boatyards. They should be given a responsibility of the Marine Office. will be getting. This certification certificate or a letter of approval. The design, safety and qualification need not necessarily be of an Only certified yards should be given regulations should cover watertight international standard, assistance licenses. integrity, vessel stability, safety might be sought from FAO or some equipment, navigation and Safety and Rescue: Though this other organisation capable of communication equipment, training, report is about safety, the dearth of providing such help. and the qualifications of the skipper rescue vessels should be mentioned. and engine driver. For longtail Discussion on Sri Lanka: They are sorely needed and should boats, only minimum requirements Here are extracts from conclusions/ be supplied as soon as possible. The regarding life saving, navigation and recommendations: round-the-clock monitoring and communication equipment are Registration: Registration of fishing vessels is in place, better follow-up

Regulations need to be formulated on construction, navigation and safety standards of fishing boats in Sri Lanka.

10 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 considered necessary. These may be administered by the Department of Fisheries if, and as, found practical. Boatbuilding: At present the main building activity relates to the smaller, open, longtail boats and the larger steel fishing vessels. A long and successful tradition with longtail boats and an accident-free performance seems to indicate that no immediate improvement is necessary. As regards the larger mechanized steel vessels, it is imperative, to ensure both quality and safety, that they are approved and authorized before they are in business. No FRP boatbuilding activity was seen. But it is very probable that, production of FRP boats is going on somewhere around the coast. The Marine Office should therefore be ready for such a development and formulate rules and regulations for the production of FRP boats. Training: Skippers and engine drivers of decked mechanized boats should undergo some training in emergency procedures, elementary stability, navigation, communication, first-aid and engine repairs. With time, other crew member will also follow suit. Global perspective: The consultant says that safety-at- sea problems for fishermen differ in developed and developing countries. In the latter, political commitment to invest in the safety of fishermen in small-scale and artisanal fisheries seems to be lacking. This attitude must change. It is true that there are no international rules or regulations for fishing vessels smaller than 12m in length. But the Nordic Rules for Construction and Certification of Vessels Less than 15m in length, were formed by a working group from Nordic countries in the early 1980s. They applied to recreational craft and working boats constructed of wood, steel, aluminium, ferrocement and FRP. These Boatyards and landing centres in Sri Lanka (top and centre) and standards have been used to Thailand (below) are sometimes deficient in trained manpower good effect. and adherence to safety regulations.

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 11 Training Course on CCRF

Regional Training Course on Code of Conduct for

localization, and that’s what the Responsible Fisheries course is designed to bring about. Course participants will be made he first Regional Training series of 12 booklets known as “FAO conversant with the Technical Course on the Code of Technical Guidelines for Guidelines and the International TConduct for Responsible Responsible Fisheries”. The booklets Plans of Action. They will develop Fisheries (CCRF) will be held in relate to fishing operations, the new capacities for planning, Chennai during September-October precautionary approach to capture managing and evaluating fisheries 2006. It will be organised by the fisheries, integration of fisheries into programmes from the standpoint of BOBP-IGO. coastal area management, fisheries effective implementation of the management, aquaculture Background CCRF. Field-based experiences development, inland fisheries, drawn from fisheries development The Committee on Fisheries (COFI) responsible fish utilization, programs will be included in the at its 19th Session in March 1991 indicators for sustainable course. made an appeal for responsible, development of marine capture sustained fisheries. Subsequently, fisheries, and implementation of the Participants the International Conference on International Plans of Action to Course participants will be from Responsible Fishing, held in 1992 in prevent illegal, unreported and Government agencies, NGOs and Cancûn (Mexico), requested the unregulated fishing; conservation research organisations interested in FAO to prepare an international and management of sharks, effective implementation of the Code of Conduct to address the management of fishing capacity; and Code. They could be fisheries issue. reducing incidental catch of seabirds extension workers, mid-level On October 31, 1995, more than 170 in longline fisheries. government officials, research scientists, donor agency members of the FAO unanimously Why is a course on CCRF needed? adopted the Code. It has been representatives. Though the CCRF is more than 10 described as “one of the most years old, understanding of it at the Duration important international instruments grassroots level is poor, awareness of Fifteen days, including three to four devised for management of our its provisions at all levels is days of field trips. planet’s aquatic resources.” inadequate. Better understanding of Expected outcomes Simply put, the Code consists of a the CCRF is essential for tackling collection of principles, goals and the many problems that confront At the end of the course, the elements of action. It sets out fisheries today – over-exploitation, participants will have: principles and standards of pollution, etc. 1. discussed and understood the behaviour for responsible practices Code and the technical guidelines The course can create a cadre of in fisheries. The aim is to ensure better. trained scientists and officials who effective conservation, management are aware of the Code and its 2. identified the advantages and and development of living aquatic technical guidelines. These persons constraints of various methods of the resources, with due respect for the will constitute a resource pool to implementation of the Code through ecosystem and biodiversity. facilitate implementation of the the analysis of case studies and field The Code is voluntary in nature. It is Code in the region. experiences; and directed at members and non- 3. prepared an action plan to The course should ultimately members of the FAO, fishing incorporate design, implementation influence community participation entities, organisations of all kinds, and evaluation elements of CCRF and grassroots action in promoting fishers, people engaged in the implementation strategy into fisheries development and processing and marketing of fish and ongoing or planned activities, management. The Code will have a fishery products – in short at projects and programmes. meaning only if fishers and fisher everyone concerned with communities apply it from day to Contact: Director, BOBP-IGO at development and management of day, and fisheries officials and [email protected] or fisheries. extensionists promote the Code in a [email protected] for To support implementation of the pro-active manner. The ultimate further details and for booking a slot Code, the FAO has brought out a triumph of CCRF also lies in its in the course.

12 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 Photo Feature – Sri Lanka

SriSri LankanLankan FishersFishers andand FisheriesFisheries TodayToday

Photographs: S Jayaraj isheries is one of the drivers of the Sri Lankan economy (fish provides food and nutrition, jobs and incomes, foreign exchange earnings, tourism revenues). F Bay of Bengal Sri Lankans love their fish. Fisheries images catch your eye in Jaffna tourist brochures (the beautiful Oru, smiling fishermen, stilt fishermen on the coast, St John’s market in Colombo, catches in Palk Strait Negombo), they have also adorned the pages of Bay of Bengal Mullaittivu News many times during the past 26 years. Northern Province Mannar A few facts: coastal, offshore and inland fisheries together employ 250 000 active fishers, a population of over a million. Gulf of Mannar Some 285 000 tonnes of marine fish is landed annually, of which Trincomalee 90 percent is consumed locally and 10 percent exported. But Sri North Central Lanka imports an additional 70 000 tons of dried and canned fish Kalpitia Province annually to meet local demand. Some 610 species of coastal fish, 90 species of oceanic pelagic species, 60 species of sharks and SRI LANKA 215 demersal species have been reported in Sri Lanka. For the North Batticaloa Chilaw Western Central Eastern domestic market, the high-value species are Spanish mackerel, Province Province horse mackerel, trevally, tunas and tuna-like species. There is a Province Negombo heavy consumption of shark and of small pelagics such as Kandy sardines, herrings, anchovies and Indian mackerel. Prawns, beche Colombo Uva de mer and shark are important species for export. Western Province Province There are 12 fishery harbours, several large and small anchorages Kalutara Sabaragamuwa and as many as 700 village-level landing sites. The total fishing Province fleet in 2004 consisted of more than 31600 boats – traditional craft (motorized and non-motorized), 6-7m FRP boats, 3 1/2 ton Southern Dodanduwa Province Galle Hambantota boats, offshore multi-day boats and beach seine craft. Traditional Tangalla fishing craft (simple canoes with outriggers) make up nearly half Matara Not to scale

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 13 the fleet, in spite of all the development during the past few years. Government schemes for fishermen include low-cost housing, community centres for fishing villages, drinking water supply, bus services to transport fishermen and gear, an accident compensation scheme and a variety of other smaller schemes. A narrow continental shelf is a major resource-limiting factor in Sri Lanka. Some issues: heavy exploitation of pelagic species and inadequate exploitation of demersal and other species (commercially valuable fish in deeper waters, such as large yellow fin and big eye tuna remain under-exploited); lack of protected landing facilities in some areas; unsatisfactory catch monitoring system and inadequate knowledge of fishery resources. The multi-gear multi-species coastal fisheries — and the use of environmentally harmful fishing gear by groups of fishermen – have triggered many user conflicts between different groups. The offshore fishery is characterized by its heavy reliance on gillnetting and associated post-harvest losses. “Inadequate fisheries management overrides many of these issues,” says Mr G Piyasena, Director- General, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resoruces. With inadequate numbers in personnel and facilities, Sri Lanka’s MCS (monitoring, control and surveillance) capability is unsatisfactory. So is fishermen’s compliance with management initiatives introduced by the authorities — such as boat registration and licensing. The December 2004 tsunami was a huge catastrophe. It killed more than 35 000 people in Sri Lanka from coastal communities, affected nearly 80 per cent of active fishers and destroyed or damaged more than 75 per cent of the fishing fleet. A large number of small-scale fishing craft

Right and facing page: Shots before and after fish landing in and around the Beruwala harbour.

14 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 15 and fishing gear were destroyed. Of the 12 fishing habours, 10 were severely damaged. Public and private utilities such as ice plants, landing ports, markets, and houses of the fishing community were destroyed. Production during Jan- August 2005 was less than 40 percent that during the corresponding period in 2003 and 2004. But post-tsunami rehabilitation allows opportunities to build back better. Some key areas identified in the post-tsunami reconstruction and development strategy: Improved designs for offshore multi-day boats; technological improvements with onboard fish handling and preservation to minimize economic waste and improve quality of fish landed; strengthening of participatory fisheries management, particularly in coastal fisheries. through better awareness creation and better facilities for resource assessments, boat registration and licensing systems. “Attitudinal changes are required right across the board to tap the opportunities of post-tsunami reconstruction and meet the challenge of building back better,” says Mr Piyasena. The BOBP has since 1979 been an active partner of Sri Lanka in marine fisheries development and management. Several ideas and innovations have been introduced, and numerous lessons learned, in the areas of fisheries management, fisheries resources including ornamental fisheries, fishing craft, fishing gear, aquaculture, women’s empowerment, information dissemination (including radio programmes for fisherfolk). Several score seminars, workshops and training courses have helped strengthen know-how and facilitated flow and exchange of ideas. Two of the most recent activities initiated by the BOBP-IGO (workshop on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and an art contest on the tsunami among schoolchildren) have been reported elsewhere in Top and centre: Typical examples of tsunami damage - a fisher’s home and a the issue. fishing boat. Bottom: Boats being repaired and restored at a boat building yard.

16 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 Governing Council Meeting BOBP-IGO’sBOBP-IGO’s GoverningGoverning CouncilCouncil MeetsMeets inin ColomboColombo

he Governing Council of the BOBP-IGO, which met in TColombo on 12 and 13 December 2005, laid the ground map for the IGO’s work next year, endorsed work done the previous year, and discussed and approved the report of the IGO’s Technical Advisory Committee. Representatives of the IGO’s four member-countries (Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka) took part at the Governing Council meeting, besides observers from the FAO, INFOFISH, NACA (Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific) and SACEP (South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme.)

Mr E Jinadasa, Secretary, Ministry Delegates at the Governing Council Meeting. of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka, chaired the inaugural such as safety at sea of small-scale • Adaptation of the Code of session. In the second session, fishermen, resource assessment, Conduct for Responsible Fisheries to Mr G Piyasena, Director-General, capacity-building, information meet regional requirements. Department of Fisheries and Aquatic networking, and popularization of • Third International Conference Resources, Sri Lanka, was the Code of Conduct for Responsible on Fishing Safety and Health and the unanimously elected the new Fisheries. He said member-countries Regional Workshop on Review of chairperson of the Governing Council. had the “will and capacity” to work Post-Tsunami Fishing and Safety The participants were welcomed by closely with the BOBP-IGO. He Assessment at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Mr Jinadasa, Mr A Hettiarachchi hoped its membership would India, 1- 7 February 2006. expand. He thanked the secretariat (Director-General, Ministry of • Setting of a Regional Information of the IGO for organizing two Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Network to provide appropriate activities in Sri Lanka along with Lanka), Mr Ajay Bhattacharya information for development, the Governing Council meeting – (outgoing chairman of the planning, research and training. This an art contest for school children Governing Council and Joint will assist member-countries in and a workshop on the Code of Secretary, Fisheries, Ministry of strengthening their national Conduct for Responsible Agriculture, Government of India) capabilities in development and Fisheries. and Dr Y S Yadava (Director of the management of coastal fisheries. BOBP-IGO). The BOBP-IGO’s activity priorities • Organisation of a Fishermen’s Dr Yadava pointed out that three for 2006 as agreed on at the Week to promote and institutionalise years earlier, plenipotentiaries from meeting: a participatory and community- the erstwhile BOBP had met at the • Capacity-Building and based system of management of same venue to finalise the setting up Information Services for Fisheries fisheries and aquatic resources. of the IGO. Development and Management in • Information dissemination Mr Jinadasa described the the Bay of Bengal Region. through the Bay of Bengal News BOBP-IGO as an infant among • Translation and printing of the and other publications and the sub-regional and inter-governmental FAO CCRF Technical Guidelines on BOBP-IGO’s website to inform, groups. It was a matter of pride that Marine Fisheries and their enthuse and bind governments and within a brief period the IGO had supplements in the national other fisheries stakeholders of the planned numerous programmes – languages of member-countries. region.

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 17 (II) Women in Fisheries: response, Dr Yadava said that IGO marine and coastal protected areas. • Review of the Status of could do so. A report on the status • The Governing Council Fisherwomen in Coastal Fishing of ornamental fish trade in India is suggested that the Secretariat Communities of member-countries being finalized.) engage some more qualified staff to (Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri • The delegate from Maldives said meet the many requirements stated Lanka), and preparation of reports his country would like to see more by member-countries. based on the reviews. collaboration with BOBP-IGO. He Presentations by Observers • National Workshops in member- said the increasing pressure on reef The representative of NACA said countries to discuss the findings of resources in recent years called for his organisation could work together the review and formulate an action serious interventions. with BOBP on socio-economic plan. • The delegate from Sri Lanka uplift of small-scale fishers and fish suggested that BOBP-IGO should (III) Fisheries Resource farmers. The representative of update publications produced during Management SACEP said her organisation’s the first and second phases of priorities related to marine and • Assessment of the marine fishing BOBP. Assistance was requested for coastal protected areas and natural fleet of member-countries. a detailed survey on the marine disaster management. SACEP could • Organisation of a Regional fisherfolk of Sri Lanka. work with BOBP on sustainable Consultation on Monitoring, • The Secretariat said a Regional livelihoods. Control and Surveillance (MCS). Workshop on MCS was proposed to The FAO representative described be conducted in Bangladesh during • Preparation of a management the progress of FAO-related projects mid-2006. plan for one commercial fishery in on tsunami rehabilitation, the Bay of each member-country. • The FAO would soon publish Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Technical Guidelines on Small- BOBP-IGO’s report for 2004-2005 and the Asia-Pacific Fisheries Scale Fisheries, the FAO delegate Commission (APFIC). He said that Dr Y S Yadava presented the said. FAO was the lead organisation for organisation’s report for the period • Observers from INFOFISH and tsunami rehabilitation activities in October 2004 - December 2005. He SACEP welcomed closer co- Sri Lanka and Indonesia. pointed out that some of the regular operation with the BOBP-IGO. The Reconstruction programmes activities suffered because of the SACEP representative expressed her included aquaculture, harbor tsunami, which demanded organisation’s interest in issues infrastructure and improved immediate attention. The Governing related to coastal livelihoods and livelihoods. Council complimented the BOBP- IGO on the number and variety of activities undertaken by a body of The Governing Council of the BOBP-IGO its modest size. Some comments on the report: The Governing Council is the supreme body of the BOBP-IGO. Every member-country is represented on the council; it meets every year; • The delegate from Bangladesh special sessions can be convened at the request of two-thirds of the expressed his government’s interest members. in resource assessment models for The First Meeting of the BOBP-IGO’s Governing Council was held in coastal and deep-sea fisheries and in Chennai from 7 to 8 September 2004. alternative livelihood strategies for fisherfolk who collected shrimp The Governing Council determines the organisation’s policy, its work post-larvae. Bangladesh was not hit programme, budget. Decisions are taken by a two-thirds majority, with directly by the tsunami; but in view due weight given to the recommendations of a Technical Advisory of reports about the changing Committee. The Governing Council lays down standards and guidelines composition of fish species, and of for management of the BOBP-IGO. It evaluates activities, including the coastal fish migration taking accounts, appoints the director of the organisation and determines his different patterns after the tsunami, conditions of service, formulates and adopts financial and administrative participation in tsunami-related regulations, approves formal arrangements with governments and other consultations would be useful. institutions. The Technical Advisory Committee established by the Governing • The Indian delegate said the Council advises the Council on all technical aspects relating to the recent census on marine fisherfolk organisation’s activities. It will have one representative from every would help planning processes member-country, known for special competence and expertise in coastal relating to small-scale fisheries. He fisheries. It will meet at least once a year, also at any time as requested enquired whether BOBP-IGO could by the Governing Council, and adopt a report which will be submitted to provide training and technical the Governing Council for its endorsement. support in ornamental fisheries. (In

18 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 He said the proposed Regional could be a model for member Consultative Forum to be organised countries in future. India also from 16 to 19 August 2006 in Kuala suggested FAO support for the Lumpur, Malaysia, would discuss proposed Regional Workshop on “Reforming Fisheries and MCS in mid-2006 in Bangladesh. Aquaculture”, and cover areas such Bangladesh suggested that issues as the future of fisheries, co- related to safety at sea of poor management and governance and fishermen be given priority. On policy changes. fisheries surveys, India’s fisheries The Governing Council accepted in BOBP-IGO’s member-countries; institutions could be a role model principle the proposal on build the capacity of member- and they could help train other secondment of technical personnel countries to integrate electronic member-countries. BOBP-IGO from member-countries to the media into their day-to-day could initiate such training. Secretariat for a period ranging operations; and develop networks Sri Lanka described India’s VMS from 12 -18 months. But some among BOBP-IGO stakeholders at programme as a good initiative. The delegates felt it might be difficult the regional level to share BOBP-IGO could organise a visit for their Governments to pay knowledge, experiences and best by representatives of other member- salaries for staff seconded to the practices. countries to observe the working of BOBP-IGO. During discussions on the TAC the programme. Report of the Technical Advisory report, the Indian delegation The FAO delegate complimented Committee (TAC) suggested that Bangladesh and India BOBP-IGO on highlighting the could cooperate on disease The Governing Council endorsed problems of member-countries in prevention in shrimp aquaculture, the report of the first meeting of the coastal marine fisheries through a learning from each other’s IGO’s Technical Advisory prioritized list of activities. He experiences. They could also reduce Committee (held in Maldives on suggested that FISHCODE could be the spread of aquatic animal September 4-5, 2005) as presented approached to fund the MCS diseases from one country to the by the Secretariat. The TAC had Regional Workshop. agreed on a set of long-term thrust other. NACA could assist as areas for the BOBP-IGO, as necessary. Responding to a query from Bangladesh, Secretariat said that the follows: India also pointed out that the recent IGO would support Fishermen’s meeting of the BIMSTEC Technical • Capacity-building for long-term Week through awareness-creation Committee had suggested a role for interventions and strategies for activities and logistics. safety at sea of artisanal and small- the BOBP-IGO in two activities — scale fishermen; assessing coastal fisheries stocks, The Governing Council proposed to and development and testing of a hold its next meeting in late 2006 in • Capacity-building for pilot-scale programme on a vessel the Maldives, subject to the implementation of MCS monitoring system. Such a system government’s approval. programmes; • Joint assessment of fish stocks through collaborative and participatory arrangements among member-countries. Assistance of major fisheries institutions in the member- countries could be availed for such a programme. The BOBP- IGO could provide an input to initial costs, and external funding could be sought. • Development of management plans for important fisheries such as hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) and shark fisheries. • Information and Networking to assess and strengthen the networking capacity of the

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 19 CCRF Workshop - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Holds Workshop on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

National Workshop on implementation of the Code Aof Conduct for Responsible Fisheries was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 9-10 December, 2005. It was organised by the BOBP-IGO in association with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (MFAR). The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) hosted the two-day event. Fifty-five participants representing leading fisheries institutions of Sri Lanka — such as the MFAR, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), NARA, National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), National Mr E Jinadasa, Secretary, MFAR inaugurated the CCRF Workshop. Institute of Fisheries Nautical Engineering, Ceylon Fisheries grassroots. He said the Workshop of different agencies, he said that was being held against the backdrop know-how on the IPOA Harbor Corporation, and Central of two important events – the (International Plans of Action) was Fisheries Harbour Corporation – as December 2004 tsunami and the lacking in Sri Lanka, so were well as NGOs, fisheries co-operative tenth anniversary of the CCRF. resources to implement them. The societies and the BOBP-IGO open-access nature of marine attended the workshop. In his inaugural address, Mr E Jinadasa, Secretary, MFAR, fisheries, the poor status of resource Mr H S G Fernando, Director, said that in confronting the information, and lack of awareness Ocean Resources, MFAR, served as aftermath of the December 2004 about CCRF were other drawbacks facilitator for the Workshop’s tsunami, the Government was to the implementation of CCRF. inaugural session. Dr Champa following the motto of “build back Dr D E M Weerakoon, Director- Amarasiri, Acting Director-General better”. General, NADQA, talked about of NARA, welcomed the inland fisheries and aquaculture and participants. The Workshop consisted of three technical sessions. The first heard their sustainable development. He Dr Y S Yadava, Director of the eight invited presentations. During said that reservoirs constituted the BOBP-IGO, said in introductory the second session, four groups of mainstay of inland fisheries and remarks that the Workshop was participants discussed select issues. steps were being taken to enhance meant to facilitate better Their recommendations were stocks for culture-based fisheries. In understanding and more effective discussed and finalised during the coastal aquaculture, Penaeus implementation of the CCRF in Sri third session. monodon was the main species Lanka. The Code could be adapted farmed in the North-West Provinces. to suit the particular needs and Technical Sessions The total area under shrimp farming circumstances of Sri Lankan Mr G Piyasena, Director-General, was estimated at 4 500 ha by the fisheries. Implementing the Code DFAR, discussed implementation of end of 2004. The white spot has been one of the core activities of the CCRF in Sri Lanka. Outlining syndrome virus and brooder the BOBP-IGO, which is committed the structure of the fisheries sector shortage were some of the main to taking the Code to fishers at the in Sri Lanka and the responsibilities constraints. However, steps have

20 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 been taken to screen healthy increasing export opportunities, brooders and provide quality seed to building institutional capacities, farmers. improving safety at sea and ensuring minimum safety standards. Policies in inland fisheries and aquaculture were directed at Mr A Hettiarachchi, Director- achieving a total production of General (Development), MFAR, 60 000 metric tons by 2009. discussed trade in marine products. Dredging of the Dutch Canal would He said that fisheries accounted for increase the carrying capacity of the 1.5 to 2.8 percent of Sri Lanka’s area, and more farms could be set GNP and met nearly 75 percent of up in future. NAQDA is currently the population’s protein implementing regulations on inland requirements. Shrimp, tuna, lobsters capture, culture-based fisheries, and shark fins are the main items of shrimp farming; and best export. Sri Lanka’s recently management practices in acquired GSP+ status would help aquaculture. promote exports to European Speaking on marine fisheries, countries; but it also imposed Mr G Piyasena said that fisheries obligations relating to good had been hit hard by the recent governance and sustainable tsunami: some 4 870 fishers had development. He said Rs 500 died, 103 000 fisherfolk were million had been allotted in the displaced, 16 500 fisher houses recent budget for setting up a new were destroyed and 13 300 fish market in Colombo. He damaged. Some 24 000 fishing suggested a detailed survey of boats were either destroyed or people in the fish trade. damaged while 10 out of 12 fishing Dr Ranjith Edirisinghe, who harbours sustained damage. head’s NARA’s post-harvest However, the pace of relief and technology division, dealt with post- rehabilitation had been rapid: harvest and quality control issues. 93 percent of the fleet was Detailing the country’s post-harvest rehabilitated by November 2005. infrastructure, he said Sri Lanka has But a fall in fish production could 12 fishing harbours, 37 small not be avoided. Production during landing sites and a central fish Mr A Hettiarachchi, Director- January - June 2005 was nearly market situated in Colombo. About General, MFAR (top), Dr (Ms) 40 per cent less than that in the 79 to 87 percent of the fish is Champa Amarasiri, Action Director- previous two years. marketed fresh, 13 to 21 percent as dry. The private sector accounts for General, NARA (middle), Dr R Mr Piyasena said that over- about 98 percent of marketing. Edirisinghe, Head, Post-Harvest exploitation, use of illegal and Technology Division, NARA (bottom). harmful fishing methods, damage to critical habitats and user conflicts Mr G Piyasena, Director-General, DFAR, discussed the present status of were some of the major problems implementation of the Code in Sri Lanka. faced by the sector. Some other issues: heavy reliance on the gill net fishery, imbalances in harvesting of resources, heavy post-harvest wastage. Dearth of reliable information on stocks and harvestable potential also impeded optimum exploitation. Some major steps had been undertaken to “build back better” after the tsunami, such as striving for better-designed multi-day boats, improving on-boat handling and preservation, promoting sustainable fisheries management, engaging and empowering resource users,

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 21 Sixteen EU-approved factories in Dr S S Tabrez Nasar of the BOBP she said, because women in fishing the country comply with export spoke about information networking communities lacked clout both regulations. and extension linkages. He stressed collectively (they are not organised) The tsunami has damaged post- the need for better awareness and and individually. To make matters harvest fisheries to the extent of knowledge of fisheries management, worse, the tsunami had made Lankan Rs 260 million. It has also sustainable exploitation and conser- widows of many fisherwomen; they reduced production of fish (by about vation; linkages among individuals were now fully responsible for 28 percent) and per-capita and organisations; and networking. maintaining their families. She consumption, and contaminated the He said that facilities in print and urged a more gender-sensitive quality of ice and water. The electronic media, as well as recent approach in fisheries, development immediate and long-term needs of developments in information of women’s cooperatives, and the marketing sector are to renovate technology, could be tapped to creation of a national network for or re-establish fish markets and strengthen networking. women in fisheries. Projects should auction halls, promote the use of ice target men and women together, not Discussing gender issues in fisheries separately. boxes, modernise fishing vessels to and aquaculture, Dr Rekha include on-board preservation and Maldeniya of NARA said that Dr Champa Amarasiri of NARA processing, identify market women are active mainly in fish spoke about research support to opportunities for fishery products, processing. CCRF implementation, which is at and raise public awareness on present provided by NARA and a hygienic handling of fish and on Most fisheries programmes network of 13 universities. With a preventing wastage. supported male-oriented activities, staff strength of 325 including 40 researchers, NARA is active in nine major research areas; it also helps out with legislation on fisheries and aquaculture. It supports post- tsunami research in three areas — impact of the tsunami on fishing habitats and communities; rehabilitation monitoring; and sea- level monitoring for an early warning centre. Dr Amarasiri said that NARA offices and facilities had suffered heavy damage from the tsunami. Group discussions and recommendations After the eight technical presentations, participants formed four groups to discuss critical issues Group discussions (top) and technical presentations (bottom) in detail. highlighted the meeting. Group I discussed marine resources, stock assessment and production potential, crafts and gear, safety at sea, tsunami rehabilitation, FAO Plans of Action, policy and legal issues. Group II discussed inland fisheries and aquaculture resources, production potential and sustainability issues, FAO Plans of Action, policy and legal issues, etc. Group III discussed post-harvest and value addition, marketing, eco- labelling and other trade-related matters, impact of globalisation, subsidies in fisheries, policy and legal issues. Group IV discussed extension linkages, information

22 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 networking, gender in fisheries, • Safe and wholesome fish welfare programmes, research The BOBP-IGO has held products for consumers should programmes, tsunami rehabilitation, similar workshops in other be encouraged by developing policy and legal issues, etc. member-countries also. In awareness at the school and India, a National Workshop community levels; developing During the third technical session, on the Code of Conduct for awareness among traders the four groups presented their Responsible Fisheries was through the mass media on observations and recommendations. held from 29-30 September maintaining the freshness of A few specifics: 2000, in Bangladesh on fish; introducing a national • Fisheries societies should be 23-24 April 2002 and in safety and quality assurance set up and strengthened in Maldives during 18-19 system; and by reviewing major and medium-size January 2004. existing rules and regulations reservoirs. Ultimate objective: on fish trade and quality A Fisheries Management assurance. Authority. • Farmer organisations should • Raising awareness on the need • Community-based fingerling be strengthened. for change in the social production should be • Shrimp farming should be attitude towards widows. encouraged in mini nurseries. promoted in new areas, Recognition of the role of Facilites should be set up to especially in the southern and women in fisheries. screen broodstock. eastern coasts. • Development of non-formal • Reservoirs should be enhanced • State marketing organisations education schemes for fisher by stocking with tilapia should help promote the communities, better health species. Reservoirs where an processing and marketing of facilities, and alternative Indian carp fishery has been shrimps. income generating activities. established should be • Research and development of Mr Hettiarachchi thanked the enhanced with the same commercially important BOBP-IGO for organising the varieties. seaweed should be promoted Workshop. Dr Yadava thanked the • Advanced technology should both for aquaculture and for participants for their contributions, be provided to aquaculture research and development and the MFAR and NARA for the development centers for (breeding and fattening of sea excellent Workshop arrangements. preserving genetic material for cucumber juveniles in pens for spawning activities. the export trade).

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 23 Database

DatabaseDatabase onon FisheriesFisheries ScientistsScientists andand InstitutionsInstitutions inin thethe BayBay ofof BengalBengal RegionRegion

he BOBP-IGO proposes to set up databases of scientists and scientific Torganisations in the region active in fisheries, aquaculture and related activities. A decision to this effect was taken at the recent Colombo meeting of the BOBP-IGO’s Governing Council. The databases will focus initially on member-countries of BOBP-IGO. The databases will facilitate sharing and exchange of information and knowledge among individuals and institutions of the region. Such information can also be accessed through the BOBP website by a global fisheries audience, thereby expanding opportunities for development and co-operation. “There is a large pool of fisheries scientists from many disciplines in the Bay of Bengal region,” says Dr Y S Yadava of the BOBP-IGO. “But in the absence of a database, it is often difficult to identify the right scientist for a development project. Further, linkages among these scientists are poor. An information mechanism to link them would be a great asset.” “The same problem exists as regards fisheries institutions,” says Dr Yadava. “Not many scientists outside India know about all of India’s fisheries institutions. Likewise, scientists in India are not fully aware of other institutions in the region.” Scientists from member-countries are invited to log on to our website www.bobpigo.org, or the link http://www.bobpigo.org/database.htm and fill up the form Information for Individual Scientists. Organisations may fill up the form for Organisational information. Kindly submit the completed forms online by 31 March 2006. We will compile them, add the necessary hyperlinks and post the information on the BOBP-IGO website by 01 May 2006. Subsequently, a directory will also be printed and distributed within and outside the region.

The database forms for fisheries organisations (above) and fisheries scientists (alongside).

24 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 Child Art - Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan child-artists react to the tsunami

cenic Panadura in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka, is a 90-minute drive out Sof Colombo. The tsunami has left its tell-tale marks all along the drive. But the people of this town have left the trauma of 12/26 behind them. Many of the tsunami’s survivors – adults and senior citizens – have since spoken about the tsunami, but children have not. The young artists’ work drew praise from the judges as well The BOBP-IGO therefore decided to let some talented as from professional artists. schoolchildren express their viewpoint creatively, artistically, broadening awareness among the young on and third prizes and five consolation prizes for each of the value of our coastal and marine environment. two categories – 16 prizes in all. An on-the-spot art contest for schoolchildren of Sri The Contest & the Paintings Lanka was held at Shri Sumangala Girls School, Panadura, some 40 miles from Colombo, on December The 48 child-artists were a picture of concentration 8, 2005. The theme: “Life after the tsunami”. Forty eight throughout the 150-minute contest. BOBP-IGO artist students from 15 schools took part. Twenty eight juniors S Jayaraj was all praise not merely for their focused (ages 11 to 13) used crayons, 20 seniors (ages 14 to 17) interest and commitment but also for the work they displayed their water-colour skills. turned out. He remarked “Almost all the paintings filled the canvas. This reflected the rich imagination of these The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting kids and their maturity. The figures they drew were full ceremony. Ms Sampathini Nepala, Headmistress, said figures, anatomically accurate – no symbols or half- her school felt honoured to host the event. Dr Y S figures. Consciously or unconsciously, they used Yadava, BOBP-IGO Director, thanked Ms Nepala and techniques such as surrealism, palette-knife, or paintings her school. He said similar contests conducted earlier in layer-by-layer.” Tamil Nadu, India and in the Maldives, were a sparkling success. The first prize winner in the senior category (by Ms Amanda Gunawardena, Panadura) was in the surrealist The setting for the Panadura contest was most style. It showed a wall under construction and five appropriate: native paintings adorned the walls. Six figures of men and women – three busy, two others in judges — Mr W Gunasinghe and Ms Susila pensive contemplation. The second prize-winner among Abeyasinghe (both art instructors at the Zonal Education seniors (Ms Shashikala Chathurani Peiris) showed a Office, Kalutara); Mr Shanta Bhandara, Director, woman vegetable vendor under a tent bargaining with a Planning and Monitoring of the Ministry of Fisheries male customer. On the background: two fishermen about and Aquatic Resources (MFAR); Mr M A Wijepala and to go out on their craft. The third prize among seniors Ms W W M C Geetharani (art teachers both) and (by Ms Nimmi Shiranthi Fernando, Panadura) did an BOBP-IGO artist S Jayaraj – were to pick first, second engaging painting of two neat little huts, two women

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 25 26 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 in a wheel chair drew an aerial view of reconstructed houses. He won a consolation prize. Dr Yadava remarked on the “positive attitude and viewpoint” of almost all the paintings. He also noted that girls outnumbered boys in all the art contests – whether in India, Sri Lanka or the Maldives. Does it reflect the fact that painting as an art form today attracts girls, while boys are drawn more to cinema and television? Perhaps. The art contest captivated parents and teachers alike. They praised the theme of the art contest, the organisation, the opportunity it gave the students. Said the mother of one student, who was physically challenged: ‘This is the first art contest my son is taking part in. It is a proud moment for us. It’s wonderful to see my son’s excitement.” An art teacher commented “This contest was very different from all others. The awards were cash prizes. The materials needed for the contest, such as crayon boxes and water-colour paint boxes, were made available by the organisers themselves – a great help since some of the children would not have been able to afford them.” All artists were given certificates of participation immediately after the contest, much to their excitement. The parents were very pleased at the quality of the certificates – bright, laminated and therefore durable. “This will last long,” said one of them. A surprise item followed the painting contest – a dance show by a group of girls from the host school, the Shri Sumangala Girls School, Panadura. Clad in eye-catching traditional maroon-and-yellow costumes, the girls did a graceful folk dance on stage that captured their pride, their vivacity, their joie de vivre. It was as if the youngsters said: “It will take much more than a tsunami to get our spirit down.” The art contest prize-winners were honoured at a special ceremony on December 10 at the office of NARA (the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency), where the National Workshop on Code of Facing page: The young artists busy at the contest. Conduct for Responsible Fisheries was being held. Students receiving certificates from Dr Y S Yadava (top) Workshop participants cheered as Dr A Hettiarachchi, and Mr A Hettiarachchi (middle). A dance presentation by Director-General, MFAR, and Mr G Piyasena, Director- Sri Sumangala Girls School at the Art Contest (bottom). General, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, gave away the prizes. engaged in cleaning, two children busy with pottery, a The contest was made possible through the energetic co- man busy brick-laying. “Look at the full figures,” Jayaraj operation of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic comments. Resources, particularly Mr H S G Fernando, Director, The first prize winner in the junior category (Chamari MFAR. Madushika Samaraweera) drew a smart little housing Does catharsis stimulate art? Most certainly, yes! The colony. Jayaraj praised “the tight organisation, the Panadura art contest provided stunning proof. symmetric pattern of the houses, the very even colours.” One colourful painting showed multiple activities — — Text by Tabrez Nasar beach seining, house building and watering of plants. A Photographs by S Jayaraj physically challenged youngster who came to the contest

Bay of Bengal News - December 2005 27 Grouper Poster

Protecting the Grouper: Maldives Poster Raises Awareness

roupers are an important reef fish in the between September and November. Local fishermen are Maldives, which depends heavily for food, now aware of the exact times and days when groupers Gexport earnings and tourism revenues on its gather for spawning. This makes the spawning groupers coral reef system. very vulnerable. But stocks of grouper are said to be dwindling, and sizes As part of a management and awareness-raising of catch thinning. Earlier fished only for local campaign for groupers, the Ministry of Fisheries, consumption, groupers have in recent years been heavily Agriculture and Marine Resources (MOFAMR) in the fished for export to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Maldives is using an attractive poster on commercially- Besides Maldives, several Caribbean, South Pacific and exploited groupers of the Maldives. The poster was Indian Ocean countries have also reported dwindling prepared by the Marine Research Centre of the stocks of grouper. MOFAMR and printed by the BOBP-IGO. Groupers are normally solitary fish, but they gather in “spawning congregations” during full moon, normally

Bay of Bengal News is a quarterly publication of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation(BOBP-IGO).The BOBP-IGO is a regional fisheries body, which presently covers four countries around the Bay of Bengal – Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The BOBP-IGO plays a catalytic and consultative role in developing coastal fisheries management in the Bay of Bengal to help improve the conditions of small-scale fisherfolk in the member-countries.

Edited and published by Y S Yadava for the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation, 91 St. Mary’s Road, Abhiramapuram, Chennai 600 018, India. Tel: 91-44-24936294, 24936188; Fax: 91-44-24936102; E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bobpigo.org Layout: S Jayaraj. Printed at Nagaraj & Co.Pvt. Ltd., Chennai - 600 041, India. Tel: 91-44-24483011, 24481952

28 Bay of Bengal News - December 2005