Vol. IV Nos. 15-16 March - June 2008

MCS in Small-scale Regulating the unregulated

The seas, once - abundant with fish, are drying up. Once - ambitious fisheries planners are agonising over regulation and management. Once - carefree fishers are brooding over falling catches and incomes - and their own future. This issue of BBN focuses on what will best help the seas, the fishers and the planners - MCS (monitoring, control and surveillance), the key to success in .

Workshop in Chittagong Makes Recommendations for Sea Safety of Fishers in Bangladesh 13

BOBP-IGO’s Governing Council Holds Fourth Meeting in Dhaka 23

Impact of Climate Change on Indian Marine Fisheries 32

Regional Consultation on Management Plan for Shark Fisheries 47 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 1 Editorial

MCS in Small-scale Fisheries Regulating the unregulated

MCS (Monitoring, Control and Surveillance) is perhaps the most important three-letter term in fisheries today. Without MCS, management – an urgent priority in fisheries everywhere – would be ineffective. This editorial discusses some of the issues relating to an effective MCS system for fisheries in countries around the Bay of Bengal.

windling resources, falling collection, measurement and of setting up an effective MCS fish catches and incomes, analysis of data on activities. system is slow, costly, and full of Dconcerns about “Control” refers to the conditions hurdles. sustainability, calls for a “paradigm laid down under which resources To help the process, the BOBP-IGO shift” in mindset from production to can be harvested. “Surveillance” held a three-day workshop on MCS management – the story is universal. ensures that fishers and other in fisheries in Chittagong, players comply with laws and Management is the gospel that Bangladesh, in January 2008. regulations. fisheries departments and Leading fisheries officials from institutions preach but fishers small MCS systems have mainly been BOBP-IGO member-countries and big ignore. Management designed for the industrial fisheries (Bangladesh, , Maldives, policies are inadequate; compliance of developed countries. Special Sri Lanka) took part, besides experts levels are low; enforcement is poor. MCS systems are needed for small- and observers. The workshop’s For all three to improve, scale fisheries of developing “Chittagong Resolution” urged that Monitoring, Control and countries because of its special MCS should be integrated into every Surveillance (MCS) has to get character – open access, multi- member- country’s fisheries policy, better. It’s a potent tool of species, multi-gear, with thousands its regulatory and managerial governance in fisheries, but like of small low-cost fishing units frameworks. Education, training and governance itself, it is easier to operating from beaches and awareness programmes and media profess than to implement. landing fish at numerous small and mobilization should be a part of the “Monitoring” entails systematic remote landing centres. The process process.

2 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Here are some insights and learnings from the workshop. International MCS Network – An MCS system may be The International over large areas requires resources perceived as costly, but the cost Monitoring, Control, and effort beyond the reach of any of not managing the resource is and Surveillance single nation. Developing nations far higher. This said, the MCS Network for Fisheries- are particularly vulnerable to system should be designed to be Related Activities incursions in their waters. (www.imcsnet.org) helps in the cost-effective. It should The Network’s objectives: encourage compliance, rather global battle against IUU (illegal, than demand enforcement. unreported and unregulated) fishing. • Efficient information exchange. Further, the cost of conservation Created in 2001, the network • Preparing analyses and studies should not exceed the economic facilitates collaboration between related to IUU fishing. benefits from marine resources. MCS professionals. • Recognizing the dangers of IUU The fisheries department or the Members of the network are fishing and seeking common solutions. management authority should national organizations which have examine all practical options for been authorized to co-operate with • Facilitating communication with members and between them. sharing the cost of management organizations elsewhere to prevent, with industry. Likewise, deter and eliminate IUU fishing. • Develop capabilities among information-sharing among all The network, which now has some member nations to work regionally and globally to prevent, deter and stakeholders is another practice 50 members, provides training, serves as a forum for professionals eliminate IUU fishing. that should be institutionalized. to meet and discuss MCS, and • Training of MCS officials in – MCS in small-scale fisheries has maintains a database of contacts and member nations to improve their to confront unique constraints: information for member-countries. effectiveness, skills and capacity to address IUU fishing. • Lack of accurate statistics in Why is such a network needed? the small-scale/ artisanal sector. Comprising over 70% of the earth’s The Network conducted the first • Lack of a scientific information surface, the oceans feed the world. Global Fisheries Enforcement system. IUU fishing takes place in all Training Workshop in Kuala • Inadequate trained manpower oceans; while fisheries-related Lumpur in 2005 and the second in at both management and corruption and crime occur on land. Trondheim, Norway, in August operational levels. Identifying and pursuing criminals 2008. • Lack of awareness at the community-level of the need countries, registration and make the process effective. Better for MCS. licencing are seen as two-way communication systems in • A large number of inaccessible cumbersome multi-window all fishing vessels is essential. landing places along the coast. processes. This discourages • Lack of supporting legislation – Limits should be imposed on compliance. Further, registration to implement MCS. fishing effort through access systems should be uniform • Inadequate funding for MCS. regulations (licensing of fishing throughout a country. vessels, for example), closed – A sound MCS system can be – A Vessel Monitoring system seasons, closed areas and gear based on either a preventive (VMS) is an essential MCS tool. restrictions. approach or an enforcement VMS enables accurate and – A comprehensive stock approach. The preventive timely information about vessel assessment is essential to ensure approach entails measures to location and activity through sustainable exploitation of control access, such as licensing. transponders on the vessels and resources, and also work out The enforcement approach associated paraphernalia. optimum fleet size by area and entails penalties on law-breakers However, VMS is practical only for species. This may help reduce so that law-abiding is seen as not a large industrial fishing fleet. For conflicts as well. merely wise or correct but as small-scale fisheries, colour coding advantageous. But strong – The MCS authority should probe of fishing fleets on the basis of their political will and government and address the reasons for non- place of origin and area of support are needed for firmness compliance with regulations – operation, and display of flags with in enforcing penalties. apart from that of inadequate registration numbers, are necessary enforcement. It could be lack of – All fishing vessels must be measures. Random sampling of awareness, inconsistencies in registered. Procedures for catch is essential – the enforcing regulations issued by different registration and licencing must authority ought to use modern ministries, a culture where be streamlined. In some communications technology to community solidarity is a

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 3 stronger force than government determine the norms for edict. scientific and environment- – Legislation on MCS in the friendly MCS, depending on the region is either poor or type of craft, fish species, time inadequate. It should be revised. of the year and gear type. This It is widely believed that should be carried out and fisheries laws are often complex, published. Accordingly, an area- difficult to understand and specific management plan could implement. Those concerned be set out. should consult a wide range of – Illegal fishing should be stakeholders in formulating laws combated through port state that are simple and clear and measures such as inspection of relatively easy to enforce. gear and catch onboard arriving – Co-operation and support from vessels, and inspection of advanced countries for an MCS documents. system should be regarded as a – “Sustainability” may have priority – on technology, on neither meaning nor relevance search-and-rescue systems, on for artisanal fishers who live strengthening the Coast Guard, from day to day. It would be on curbing illegal fishing, on a relevant, however, if fishers are vessel monitoring or vessel provided with useful information tracking system. The Code of – on fish abundance by area, Conduct for Responsible weather forecasts, market prices, Fisheries suggests such co- safety at sea, etc. In Maldives, operation. for example, fishing forecast – MCS systems must be local- information is provided free of specific, and take account of charge exclusively to registered prevailing cultural, financial and vessels. human factors. The focus should – Regional cooperation can be on improving data collection, strengthen understanding and strengthening local awareness of knowledge on all MCS-related the need for conservation and issues and lower costs as well. management, and encouraging The ‘Chittagong Resolution’ on fishers as whistle-blowers who MCS is a good beginning and will report infringements. must be taken further. – MCS has to be a co-operative – Ultimately, MCS confers effort with industry and the manifold benefits that go far entire fisher community. It can’t beyond resources. For small- succeed if it’s just government- scale fisheries, it could mean driven. Decentralizing more accurate resource mapping; management, and moving a better insurance deal; greater towards co-management and safety; more stable incomes; community management, is the greater employment way to the future. opportunities and a win-win – CBFM (community-based situation for all. fisheries management) structures At the national level, a strong MCS at the community, district, in fisheries could even enable more regional and national levels effective operations against should be tapped for MCS terrorism, drug-peddling, arms activities. In fact, fishers should smuggling and other social evils. be able to help enforce MCS, with NGOs serving as – Y S Yadava facilitators, if an appropriate legal, management and financial framework is devised. Paintings by school children in India, – The MCS authority could Maldives and Sri Lanka depicting post- conduct a micro-level exercise to tsunami reconstruction.

4 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Fisheries Institution CICEF - India’s Nodal Agency for Development of Harbours

When was CICEF set up and Presently, under the Department of motorised traditional craft, nearly why? What is the mandate and Animal Husbandry, Dairying & 60 000 mechanised fishing vessels. vision of CICEF? Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, The is undergoing a On January 10, 1968, the Pre- CICEF carries out the entire gamut notable transformation – in the size investment Survey of Fishing of activities relating to fishery of mechanised fishing vessels – to harbours – reconnaissance surveys, Harbours (PISFH, the precursor to make them suitable for offshore/ Central Institute of Coastal investigations, drawings and deep-sea fishing. Statistics show that Engineering for Fishery or in short construction, advice on engineering mechanised fishing vessels have CICEF) was set up in Bangalore by and economics, monitoring been increasing annually at the rate the Ministry of Agriculture in construction. of 10 percent. collaboration with the FAO for a Vision The landing and berthing facilities period of five years. It conducted The socio-economic context of created so far in the country can studies and site surveys for CICEF’s operations is challenging. accommodate only 25 percent of the development of minor fishing Nearly 3.57 million fisherfolk active fishing fleet. Result: harbours, advised on site operate from India’s 3 272 coastal overcrowding and congestion. Some construction, and helped develop fishing villages and 1 343 fish of the harbours lack maintenance, the fisheries potential of major landing centres. The fishing fleet is many of the facilities are in utter commercial ports. varied – more than one lakh disrepair because of overcrowding. After FAO assistance ceased, the traditional craft, more than 76 000 With fish importing countries organization received technical assistance (equipment and consultancy services) from January Mr K Omprakash, 59, has been Director of CICEF from August 1995. A graduate in civil engineering (University of Madras), he has a post-graduate 1974 for two-and-a-half years from diploma in hydraulic engineering (Delft University of Technology, the Swedish International Netherlands). His experience in marine fisheries spans 35 years. He has Development Authority (SIDA). specialized in fishery harbours and has served as fishery harbour consultant In August 1983, PISFH was to Iran under an FAO-sponsored TCDC (Technical Co-operation among renamed the Central Institute of Developing Countries) programme. Coastal Engineering for Fishery in Mr Omprakash has received view of changing trends in maritime training in brackishwater fisheries. The Institute was asked to at the National help develop brackishwater fish Brackishwater Aquaculture farms in cooperation with state Technology Research Centre at governments under a UNDP project, Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines in addition to existing activities. (Sept-Oct 1991). He also did a short course on shrimp farm The Institute’s work in coastal management at the Asian aquaculture received a further thrust Institute of Technology, through UNDP/FAO assistance for Bangkok (May 1994). He five years from 1986 to 1991 – visited Japan in April 1998 and mainly in the form of equipment January 1999 in connection with the procurement of a dredger as part of and consultants for development of Japanese grant-in-aid. shrimp farms and hatcheries. The Joining CICEF as Assistant Director in 1972, he rose to the position of Director Institute also implemented the in 1995. He also did two short stints elsewhere in government during this World Bank-assisted Shrimp and period – as Deputy Commissioner (Fishery Harbour) in the Ministry of Fish Culture Project in West Agriculture (1992-94) and as Chief Engineer in Inland Waterways Authority Bengal, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh of India, Ministry of Surface Transport (1994-95). for eight years (1992 to 2000).

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 5 imposing stringent international standards on hygiene, HACCP and ISO 9000, better harbours and more harbours are imperative. Natural catastrophes such as depressions, storms and cyclones are regular occurrences on both the east and west coasts. Cyclones are particularly frequent, leading to heavy loss of life and damage to fishing vessels. This underlines the need for more sheltered harbours for fishing boats. Existing fishery harbours – 41 commissioned, 20 under construction – are grossly insufficient for the ever-increasing fishing fleet. The number of harbours should be at least tripled CICEF in action. during the next 10 to 15 years. It is The Institute has had its own Fish Landing Centres also necessary to rehabilitate building in Bangalore since August harbours and fish landing centres The Institute has identified sites for 2003, situated on 0.755 acre of land, (FLCs) that have become defunct or the development of FLCs. Reports with a built-up area of 1 472 sq. m. have outlived their useful life span. have been prepared for 10 sites in The Institute is well-equipped in Tamil Nadu, four in Andhra CICEF is presently identifying terms of equipment and other Pradesh, three in Kerala, 20 in potential sites for locating fishery paraphernalia to conduct surveys Andaman and Nicobar islands. The harbours and FLCs in the various and technical investigations. governments concerned are taking maritime States and Union action on the basis of these reports. Territories (UTs). What have been the foremost achievements of CICEF in recent Master Plan Given reasonable facilities, the years, including support for post- FLCs and minor fishery harbours Detailed master plans for fishery tsunami reconstruction? could contribute significantly to the harbours and FLCs have been overall national economy and to Fishery Harbours prepared for all maritime States and UTs and submitted as vision their respective regions and could • Till the end of March 2008, the enable the socio-economic uplift of documents to them and to the Institute had carried out Ministry of Agriculture. fisher populations. engineering and economic What is the staff strength of investigations for the Brackishwater Shrimp Farms CICEF? What are its facilities? development of fishery harbours/ • The Institute has so far FLCs at 76 sites and prepared reconnoitered 66 200 ha of The Institute is headed by the project reports for 75 sites. brackishwater shrimp farm area. Director. The sanctioned staff Investigations were carried out in strength is 47 (30 technical, • On the basis of project reports 15 584 ha of water spread area in 11 non-technical, 6 administrative prepared by the Institute, the the maritime States of Gujarat, personnel). They belong to three Ministry of Agriculture has Maharashtra, , Kerala, Tamil divisions – technical, economic, sanctioned 61 fishery harbours. Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa administrative. Of these 41 have been commissioned and 20 are under and West Bengal. The Institute’s inter-disciplinary various stages of construction. • During the period 1986 -1991, team comprises engineers and four pilot brackishwater shrimp economists with specialised • The Institute has monitored the farms and a shrimp seed hatchery knowledge and experience relating construction of fishery harbours were developed under UNDP to pre-investment studies, and FLCs sanctioned by the assistance. engineering and economic Ministry of Agriculture under a investigations, techno-economic Centrally Sponsored Scheme. It • Under the World Bank-assisted feasibility reports for development has provided technical guidance Shrimp and Fish Culture Project, of fishery harbours, FLCs and to the maritime States/UTs in the Institute served as a Nodal brackishwater shrimp farms. speedy project implementation. Agency for the development of

6 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 by CICEF, the Ministry has accorded administrative sanction and provided central assistance as follows: (i) 50% of the project cost to maritime State Governments and 100% to UTs for the construction of minor fishery harbours and FLCs; (ii) 100% assistance to maritime States, UTs, Port Trusts and Fishermen Associations for construction of major fishery harbours; (iii) 50% assistance for the construction of minor fishery harbours and FLCs on a Build- CICEF in the field. Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis;

brackishwater shrimp farms. It hygienically. International standards (iv) 50% assistance to maritime States and Port Trusts for repair was associated with four projects such as HACCP and ISO 9000 are and renovation/modernization in West Bengal (Canning, being applied strictly. In Dighirpar, Digha and Dadanpatra consequence, the quality of fish has of existing fishery harbours and Bar), one project in Orissa improved and spoilage has been FLCs, and 100% assistance to (Jagatjore/Banapada) and one reduced. This has contributed UTs. project in Andhra Pradesh significantly to the national What are some of the major (Bhairavapalem). economy in the areas of food and constraints CICEF faces? nutrition. Employment opportunities Tsunami Rehabilitation Technical staff trained earlier in have gone up manifold. Engineers India and abroad have either retired The tsunami struck in December have been trained to conduct 2004. The Institute inspected or are likely to retire shortly. investigations and prepare project Technical skills now available with affected fishery harbours and FLCs proposals. during January 2005 in Tamil Nadu, the Institute are limited; there is a Kerala and Puducherry and a report As regards policy development on shortage of technical manpower. was submitted to the Ministry of marine fisheries, the Ministry of At present, the Institute undertakes Agriculture. Agriculture is implementing a only engineering and economic centrally sponsored scheme on investigations. There is no expertise Please tell us about the foreign “Development of Marine Fisheries, available for environmental and collaborations of CICEF. Infrastructure and Post- Harvest mathematical model studies to The Institute has received technical Operations”. Establishment of enable complete project reports. assistance and expert consultancy fishery harbours and FLCs is part of Such studies are being carried out services for the development of this scheme. The objectives of the by maritime States/ UTs through fishery harbours and for scheme are: consultants and research institutes. brackishwater shrimp farms and Consultants are also being used for • Providing infrastructure facilities hatcheries from i) the FAO/UN, the development of fishery harbours for safe landing, berthing and ii) SIDA, iii) UNDP and and FLCs. Some maritime States unloading of fish catches of iv) World Bank. have acquired expertise in the mechanised fishing vessels, formulation of project proposals. How has CICEF been able to traditional fishing craft and deep contribute to food and nutritional sea fishing vessels. What future do you envisage security, human resource for CICEF? development, and policy • Construction of new major development in marine fisheries? fishing harbours in association CICEF has a bright future. We are with maritime State equipped to face the challenges Following the creation of fishery Governments, Port Trusts and we are entrusted with in the harbours and FLCs through CICEF, UTs. development of fishery harbours motorised and mechanised fishing and landing centres in the country. vessels have been landing their fish On the basis of techno-economic more systematically and feasibility reports (TEFRs) prepared

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 7 MCS in Marine Fisheries Bangladesh National Workshop Adopts Action Plan on Monitoring, Control and Surveillance The proposed action plan should be based on the Chittagong Resolution thanked Dr Yugraj Singh Yadava, ifty-one persons from adopted by the BOBP-IGO member- Director, BOBP-IGO for technical 21 national, regional and countries in January 2008. Finternational fisheries and financial assistance to the organizations took part in the workshop; the Royal Danish Mr Md Rafiqul Islam, Director National Workshop on Monitoring, Embassy, Bangladesh, for financial General, DoF, said that capture Control and Surveillance (MCS) in support and cooperation; and fisheries in Bangladesh were Marine Fisheries in Bangladesh, held Mr Bundit Chokesanguan, Director stagnating because of lack of a on June 7-8, 2008 in Cox’s Bazar. (Training), SEAFDEC. reliable database, over-exploitation of some stocks and under- Mr Sajjadul Hassan, Deputy It was organized by the Danida- exploitation of others, inadequate Commissioner, Cox’s Bazaar funded project “Strengthening MCS, plus the impact of global District, Bangladesh, said that the Institutional Capacity of the DoF warming and climate change. (SICD)” in coordination with the potential of marine fisheries in Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Bangladesh was huge. Effective He suggested demarcation of the (MoFL), and the BOBP-IGO. management was essential to tap the EEZ of Bangladesh. An effective resources in a sustainable manner. information network; a central data Mr Nasiruddin Md Humayun, “While doing so, the occupational base for information on the weather Project Director, SICD Project, hazards faced by the fishers need to and on fauna and flora; a strong welcomed participants. Describing be minimized”, said Mr Hasan. MCS system; management plans for the current crisis in global fisheries, shared stocks; marine parks; joint Declaring the workshop open, Mr Humayun said that fish stocks stock survey programmes; Mr Parikshit Datta Choudhury had got depleted in many parts of protection of nursery grounds; and a (Joint Secretary Fisheries), said that the world because of over- ban on capture of juveniles of fin MCS in fisheries had been neglected exploitation, habitat destruction, and shellfish species – these were in Bangladesh. An effective MCS industrial pollution and waste- some other suggestions. dumping into marine waters. programme was needed to strike a balance between conservation and Dr Yugraj Singh Yadava made the In response, fisheries authorities sustainable exploitation. keynote presentation on have been regulating the fishing fleet; introducing gear restrictions, closed areas and closed seasons; and registering and licensing small-scale fishing operations, said Mr Humayun. The National Fisheries Strategy formulated by Bangladesh in 2006 could be effective only if MCS was reviewed and strengthened, Mr Humayun said. Mr Humayun thanked the chief guest, Mr Parikshit Datta Choudhury (Joint Secretary, MoFL) and the chairperson – Mr Md Rafiqul Islam, Director General, Department of Fisheries (DoF) – for their support to the workshop. He Participants at the National Workshop on MCS.

8 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 “Monitoring, control and The main constraints to MCS in dominant in the region, barring surveillance in small-scale fisheries Bangladesh are lack of accurate Thailand, where industrial fisheries - guiding principles and practices”. fisheries statistics and a scientific had grown faster. Stressing the uniqueness of fisheries information system; inadequate Every coastal state in Southeast Asia to the national economy of trained manpower at both faces theft of resources from Illegal, Bangladesh, Dr Yadava said that management and operational levels; Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) some 1.77 million fishers were lack of awareness at the community- fishing made possible by lack of active in the primary sector and level of the need for MCS; a large MCS, the speaker said. IUU fishing 67 300 in the secondary sector. number of inaccessible landing undermines efforts to conserve and Fisheries contributed significantly places; lack of supporting manage fish stocks. If this practice to the national GDP and to export legislation to implement MCS; a is not curbed, vulnerable stocks earnings. multiplicity of agencies and lack of can’t be rebuilt, said Mr Bundit. He said that the coastal marine well-defined roles and jurisdictions; He said a Regional Plan of Action to fishery portrays a picture of and inadequate funding for MCS. Promote Responsible Fishing unregulated access, overcapacity, Community motivation is the most Practices – including combating low catch per unit effort and fishing important step for effective IUU fishing – had already been rights conflicts. Most fishing implementation of an MCS policy, drafted by Southeast Asian communities rely almost entirely on Dr Yadava said. Joint effort by all countries. A workshop held in Bali, fishing for their livelihood, and lack stakeholders and coordination Indonesia from 4 to 6 March 2008 alternatives. A large proportion of among them is essential; MCS can’t had made recommendations as fish stocks -- both marine and inland be practiced in isolation by the follows: – are fully exploited, over-exploited Government. or depleted. While the commercial • Formalize a MCS sub-regional Dr Yadava said that the Chittagong network; trawl fishery is regulated to a certain Resolution of January 2008 on MCS extent, the small-scale/ artisanal • Identify and assess key MCS gaps had recommended action plans for fishery is almost unregulated. within the sub-region; implementing MCS and for • Develop licensing and The DoF awards fishing licenses strengthening national agencies. authorization processes for fishing only to registered boats. But it’s the The current workshop is aimed at and support vessels; MMD that registers the boats and formulating such an action plan to • Develop cooperative surveillance only about 10 percent of the guide MCS in Bangladesh. exercises; mechanized boats get registered. Dr Yadava called for a paradigm • Develop sub-regional hot pursuit This means that a large number of shift – from a regime of open access guidelines; boats are unlicenced and not in marine fisheries to limited and • Coordinate and integrate all monitored. The DoF has no controlled access, and allocation of relevant national agencies in MCS magisterial power; fisheries rights to user groups. Small-scale activities; personnel depend on the executive fisheries can benefit immediately • Focus on mechanisms to improve and the Police Department to from successful MCS measures the collection and analysis of enforce the Fisheries Act. through (i) effective demarcation of information on fishing vessels, The MMD is ill-equipped to enforce fishing areas, (ii) data strengthening, catches, trans-boundary market existing legislation, as it has only (iii) target fishing through resource destinations of catches; and two offices all along the coast. The mapping, (iv) sea-safety, • Strengthen institutional and human Bangladesh Coast Guard, set up in (v) reflection of their interests in capacity building across the region. 1994, is mandated to protect fishing policy, (vi) stabilization of Mr Bundit said that depletion of fish national interests in the maritime catch per boat and hence income, stocks, , conflicts zones of Bangladesh and prevent and (vii) effective land and sea- between resource users, ignorance illegal fishing. But the Coast Guard based monitoring systems. and violations of laws and is ill equipped as well, it needs more regulations by fishermen were some Mr Md Kabir Ahmed, District manpower, more patrol boats, more of the main problems of coastal and Fisheries Officer, Cox’s Bazaar, equipment. marine fisheries in the region. proposed a vote of thanks at the end In efforts to improve fisheries Small-scale fishing communities are of the inaugural session. illiterate, and provisions of the management by establishing MCS Fisheries Acts and Regulations are Technical Presentations systems, some countries had unknown to many of them. An Mr Bundit Chokesanguan, Director succeeded, others had failed. effective and implementable legal (Training) at SEAFDEC, Thailand, The failures might have been due to framework is a pre-requisite to provided an overview of MCS in the ‘common property’ management and conservation of fisheries in Southeast Asia. He said characteristic of fishery resources, fisheries resources. that small-scale fisheries were lack of strict implementation of

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 9 MCS policies, shortage of approach and the ecosystem manpower and equipment to enforce approach (which recognizes that laws, and lack of coordination fisheries will impact the biological between government agencies diversity of the wider ecosystem). Action Plan for concerned, said Mr Bundit. Inter-sectoral conflicts should be Implementations of MCS in Bangladesh Dr Md Giasuddin Khan, Senior minimized. Co-management and Fisheries Specialist, WorldFish community-based fisheries A. Fish Center, Dhaka, discussed the “Status management should be encouraged. • Monitoring of catch and stock of Coastal and Marine Fishing Fleet Commander Afazur Rahman assessment should be carried out in Bangladesh and Preparedness for Chowdhury of the Bangladesh regularly. The provisions under a Monitoring, Control and Coast Guard (BCG) made a the Bangladesh Marine Surveillance Regime”. He said that presentation on “Present status of Fisheries Capacity Building a short study undertaken by The legal support to implement MCS in (BMFCB) Project should be WorldFish Center at the request of the marine fisheries sector in utilized for the purpose. After the government confirmed that fish Bangladesh”. completion of the BMFCB stocks are continuously declining. He provided an overview of Project, the Department of Dr Khan said that over the last international laws such as the 1982 Fisheries (DoF) should carry out this function with the 20 years a big shift had occurred in United Nations Convention on the involvement of the Local the composition of catches of finfish Law of the Sea, the FAO trawlers. In 1984-1986, major Stakeholder Committees Compliance Agreement and the (LSCs). commercial species caught were 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement. white grunters, croakers, catfish, He also discussed the 1995 FAO • Resource survey(s) should be breams, snappers and hair tails. Code of Conduct for Responsible organized, for which the Since 2005-2006 these have mostly Fisheries (CCRF), which served as Government may consider been replaced by low valued species an instrument of reference to help additional funding. Such survey(s) may take into account like acetes shrimp, crab juveniles States establish or improve the legal both maximum sustainable yield and Bombay duck. and institutional framework for and maximum economic yield. Surveys during 1984-1986 showed responsible fisheries. • Marine fish landings should be that 20 species had contributed to Mr Chowdhury said that many estimated on the basis of a the main landings. In 2005-2006, legislative instruments were already statistically designed this number had declined to 12. in force in Bangladesh to support programme. To achieve More valuable and longer-lived MCS, directly or indirectly. These satisfactory results, it needs to species were being replaced by were ordinances, acts and rules be ensured that fish catches are smaller, short-lived pelagic fish administered by various ministries. landed at designated fish species, said Dr Khan. Destructive The Marine Fisheries Ordinance, landing points (Fishing fishing practices must be phased out 1983, was the base law and Harbours or Fish Landing and precautionary management regulatory instrument for marine Centres). approaches should be implemented fisheries in Bangladesh. It B. Optimization of Fishing Fleet wherever necessary. authorized the government to specify the types, classes and • A thorough review of the On marine catch monitoring, mechanized and non- numbers of fishing vessels that could Dr Khan called for development of mechanized fishing fleet should be deployed in Bangladesh waters. local reporting systems, especially be undertaken. Based on the for artisanal fisheries. Mechanisms Mr Chowdhury said that marine present marine fish landings, should be instituted to ensure proper fisheries legislation had been available data on catch per unit selectivity in fishing gear and generally implemented for industrial effort and other biological fishing operations, minimization of fishing trawlers. Implementation for parameters, the fishing fleet wastes and discards, reduction in the artisanal sector had been a (both mechanized and non- catch of non-target species. challenge. The socio-economic mechanized and trawlers) Registration of all mechanized boats conditions of fishers were a primary should be adjusted and excess capacity phased out in a time- should be completed urgently. Given cause, but lack of responsibility, bound manner. the limited capacity to mount sea- interference of pressure groups and borne inspection, efforts should lack of trained manpower in marine • The 31 numbers of ‘under trial’ focus on land-based inspection. fisheries were other factors. fishing vessels operating at present must be banned. The Dr Khan said that the marine During Session II, the workshop 50 numbers of modern fishing fisheries policy should be revised to divided itself into four groups to reflect both the precautionary discuss four subjects.

10 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 trawlers already licensed should F. Policy and Management • Skills and capacities of fisher commence fishing in the deep Frameworks groups and community-based sea. • The exiting policies on fisheries organizations should be built through short-term and highly C. Registration and Licensing of development may be reviewed focused vocational trainings and Fishing boats and, if necessary revised to meet the local requirements and also hands-on workshops. • All unregistered and unlicensed to confirm to the global fishing boats should be • Fisher communities in all the instruments on sustainable registered/ licensed in a time- coastal districts should be fisheries development. bound manner. mobilized to participate and • The good practices adopted in assist in the MCS activities. • The dual system of registration the neighbouring countries may The print and electronic media of fishing boats by the also be considered while should be made use of to the Mercantile Marine Department reviewing the fisheries policies. fullest extent in creating (MMD) and licensing by the awareness on MCS and its DoF should be discontinued. • A comprehensive marine objectives. There should be one-stop fisheries management service point (single window) framework should be • Cost-effective approaches such for registration and licensing formulated for all commercially as ‘co-management’ of under the control of DoF. important fin and shellfish resources should be promoted species. Implementation of the to achieve the objectives. • The registration/ license fee management framework already Stakeholder consultations structure should be reviewed. developed for species such as should be initiated to decide on D. Zonation of Fishing Grounds hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) should the modalities of co- • No fishing should be permitted be strictly enforced. management approach for MCS and related activities. in the coastal waters up to G. Institutional Strengthening 5 meter depth/ 3 nautical mile and Human Resources • Implementation of MCS should (NM) distance. Non- Development ensure that the livelihoods of mechanized fishing vessels may • Capacity building of officials of small-scale fishers are be allowed to fish beyond the DoF, MMD and other safeguarded. 5 meter depth and up to concerned organizations in both • The use of MCS should not be 40 meters. The zonation should government and non- restricted to enforcement alone, take into consideration aspects government sectors should be but for providing multiple such as the size of the fishing initiated in a planned manner. benefits to the fisher community vessel, gear to be deployed and A GAP Analysis may be such as promoting safety-at-sea, the engine horsepower. undertaken to arrive at the actual reducing post-harvest losses and E. Review of Fisheries needs of capacity building and promoting hygiene and Legislation institutional strengthening. sanitation in boat and at landing • A thorough review of the • Strengthening of the fisheries and berthing sites. existing fisheries and supporting institutions and other agencies H. Coordination and Networking legislation should be undertaken concerned with the • An inter-disciplinary high and necessary amendments implementation of MCS powered inter-ministerial should be proposed keeping in (e.g. Coast Guard, Navy) should committee should be constituted view the requirements of be taken up in a time-bound to coordinate the activities and Monitoring, Control and manner. This should also also monitor the progress Surveillance (MCS). include strengthening of the through performance indicators. • The review may also consider organizational set up of the Such a committee should be harmonization of the fisheries DoF at the coastal District and coordinated by the Ministry of and supporting legislation with Upazila levels. Fisheries and Livestock. the global fisheries instruments • The use of information and other documents aimed at • Formal and effective linkages technology should be stepped should be established between sustainable development of the up in implementation of MCS. fisheries resources. the key players - DoF/ Navy/ The Geographical Information Coast Guard/ MMD for • To make the implementation System established in the implementation of the MCS effective, harmonization of the DoF should be further programme. legislation may be considered. strengthened.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 11 Group I: Registration and Licensing • A one-stop service should be of Fishing Boats, Demarcation of provided for registration of fishing Zones, Colour Coding, vessels; MMD should be given this Communication and Surveillance responsibility. Infrastructure: This Group • Mesh size regulations should allow recommended that a one-stop fish at least one opportunity to service point be fixed for breed and propagate. registration and licensing of fishing • No fishing should be permitted in vessels; fishing zones for different breeding grounds such as categories of vessels should be mangroves. demarcated; a no-fishing zone • Catch-based surveys should be should be declared up to 5 meter/ initiated prior to stock assessment. 3 nautical mile; non-mechanized • The services of the Bangladesh vessels should be allowed to fish in Space Research and Remote the 5 - 40 meter depth zone; • A cadre of enforcement officers Sensing Organization should be the number of shore stations should should be created from the existing used to identify potential fishing be increased; the MMD should manpower. zones. mount a vessel registration drive. • Strong coordination is needed • Colour coding should be carried Group II: Estimation of Fishing among agencies such as MoFL, out for different categories of Capacity, Maximum Sustainable DoF, Navy and Coast Guard in fishing vessels. Yield and Optimization of Fishing implementing MCS. • New surveillance check posts Fleet: This Group suggested that all • Registration of fishing vessels should be set up along the coastline categories of fishing vessels be should be accorded top priority and (at places such as Borguna, reduced in number; the dual system modalities worked out by the DoF/ Satkhira, Patherghata, Bagerhat, for licensing/ registration of fishing MoFL and the MMD. The etc.) boats should be stopped; the ‘Zaman registration procedure should be • Fisher community participation in Committee Report’ on trawlers transparent. MCS should be encouraged to should be implemented. • The fishing fleet must be restricted foster the feeling of community Group III: Governance, Policy and to optimum size and zones should ownership of resources, also to be set up for different categories of Legislative Support to MCS: This make MCS cost-effective. fishing boats to help reduce Group suggested that the Fisheries On the basis of the conflicts and promote Policy document of Bangladesh recommendations made by the sustainability. should be revised in conformity workshop, a draft Action Plan on with the CCRF; good practices from • A manual on MCS should be Implementation of MCS in prepared. It will set out procedures the experiences of neighboring Bangladesh was presented by for implementing agencies and countries should be incorporated in Dr Yadava. It was discussed and a their work, funds needed, time- the policy; a high powered final Action Plan adopted by the frame, etc. ministerial committee should be workshop (see page 10-11). formed with DOF as lead agency to • Should trawlers fish only in depths Dr Yadava described the Action Plan strengthen implementation of MCS beyond 40m? Should zoning as comprehensive. Its decisions be made on the basis of and plug loopholes. implementation would help depth of the waters or distance sustainable development of marine Group IV: Institutions, Human from the shore? The questions fisheries resources in Bangladesh. Resource Development and Role of should be discussed. Non- Governmental and • The Bangladesh Navy and Coast In the workshop’s concluding Community-Based Organizations: Guard must be strengthened both session, Mr Rafiqul Islam, This Group suggested better to implement MCS and assist chairperson, said that the Action coordination between marine fishers at sea. Plan would have to be implemented fisheries agencies; institutional • Log books should be mandatory in a phased manner. A group would strengthening; vocational and short- for fishing boats. be constituted to prioritize actions term training for fishers throughout • Pollution from land-based sources and identify the modalities for the coastal belt; utilization of print is increasing and should be implementation. and electronic media to create checked. Mr Nasiruddin Md Humayun management and MCS awareness. • Landing centres should be proposed a vote of thanks. He said The Group presentations generated maintained and managed better, the Royal Embassy of Denmark much discussion. There was and all fishing vessels must land at would be willing to support unanimity on several of the points these centres. New landing centres development of sound policies on listed below: should be established. MCS through the SICD Project.

12 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Safety at Sea Workshop in Chittagong Makes Recommendations for Sea Safety of Fishers in Bangladesh

orty-nine persons took part in Choudhury, Joint Secretary a workshop on “Safety at Sea (Fisheries), MoFL, chaired the Ffor Small-scale Fisheries,” remainder of the workshop. Mr Parikshit Datta Choudhury, Joint held in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on Secretary, MoFL, described the Welcoming participants, 21 and 22 January, 2008. It was safety of small-scale fishers as an Dr Y S Yadava, Director, BOBP- organized by the BOBP-IGO in area of neglect. Cyclone SIDR had IGO, pointed out that while safety at co-operation with the Food and lent urgency to the subject, and the sea is a problem with small-scale Agriculture Organization (FAO) of government has initiated some fishers everywhere, it is even more the United Nations and the Ministry measures. The Safety at Sea Project serious in Bangladesh because it is a of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL), is a bold step in the right direction. frequent victim of natural calamities. Bangladesh. He said the global programme on Mr R Ravikumar, FAO Regional The participants represented the Safety at Sea and its South Asian Programme Coordinator, Safety at MoFL; the Department of Fisheries component would catalyse efforts to Sea Project, gave a brief outline of (DoF); the Bangladesh University of improve the safety and well-being of the Project and its proposed Engineering and Technology; small-scale fishers in the region. activities. the Navy and Coast Guard; the Mr Md Mokammel Hossain, In his inaugural address, Mr Syed Bangladesh Fisheries Research Director-General, DoF, said that Ataur Rahman, Secretary, MoFL, Institute; the Mercantile Marine after the devastation caused by said that over time, a rapid increase Department; the Bangladesh cyclone SIDR, discussions have has occurred in the fisher population Maritime Training Institute; the taken place on extending of Bangladesh and in fishing effort. Bangladesh Fisheries Development programmes on safety at sea to Result: fisher incomes have been Corporation; the Fisher Association small-scale fishers. At present, little falling. Fishers are trying to and Cooperative Societies; the knowledge exists about fish stocks in mechanize their boats and venture Boatbuilders Association; the (EEZ) into deeper waters for higher representatives of boatyards; experts; of Bangladesh. This aspect needed catches, but weather conditions in the FAO and the BOBP-IGO. strengthening, besides development the Bay of Bengal threaten their Mr Syed Ataur Rahman, Secretary, of Monitoring, Control and effort. Lives have been lost, boats MoFL, presided over the inaugural Surveillance (MCS) in marine have been damaged, fishers have session. Mr Parikshit Datta fisheries. suffered grave misery.

Participants at the Sea Safety Workshop.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 13 Mr Rahman said fishers fend for by depression creates problems for themselves, depending on fishers, leading to boat capsize and traditional knowledge and loss of life and property. Engine experience. They have no failures are also very common, and communication equipment or life- boats drift. There are no rules and saving appliances. Cyclone SIDR regulations for the safety of small- had killed more than 3 000 people, scale fisheries or for the mostly fishers. “If we had informed construction, stability and fishers about SIDR, many lives maintenance of small boats. would have been saved.” Mr Islam said that building The UNDP/ FAO/ BGD Project on community awareness programmes, “Empowerment of Coastal Fishing and measures such as registration of Communities for Livelihood fishing boats, insurance schemes for Security (ECFC Project)” had fishers and their assets, and provided some help, Mr Rahman implementation of IMO and ILO said. But much more is needed to be norms and guidelines, were done, including welfare measures for necessary. fishers. A national focal point had to Commander Mir Ershad Ali of the be identified for the Safety at Sea Bangladesh Navy made the next Project, and costs integrated into the presentation on “Overview of search revenue budget. “We should take and rescue operations in lessons from this workshop and frame Bangladesh”. He said that guidelines on what is to be done.” Bangladesh has acceded to some Technical Sessions 20 IMO conventions. It has Marine During the first Technical Session of Search and Rescue (SAR) Centres the workshop, five presentations located in Chittagong and Khulna. were made. Mr Ravikumar said the Numerous accidents occur in the South Asian component of the Bay of Bengal due to poor SIDA- funded and FAO-executed seamanship, the age of fishing Global Project on “Safety at Sea for vessels and human error. Small-scale Fisheries” is being Commander Ali said that the Marine implemented in Bangladesh, India, Fisheries Ordinance, 1983, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The Project mandates the Bangladesh Navy with is expected to come up with surveillance duties. The four main (i) guidelines and rules for design players on surveillance are the and construction of boats and good Navy, the Air Force, the Coast boatyard practices, (ii) stakeholder Guard and the Department of training/ awareness programmes, Shipping. Funds are short, a (3) safety at sea -fishery national-level SAR organisation management integration, and doesn’t exist: these are the two main (4) improved reporting and analysis constraints to SAR operations in of mortalities/ injuries at sea. Bangladesh. The second presentation was made In the next presentation, Dr Abdur by Mr A F M Sirajul Islam, engineer Rahim, Professor, Bangladesh and ship surveyor, MMD, on University of Science and “Overview of safety aspects of Technology, highlighted “Training small fishing craft in the marine needs in safety at sea for the sector of Bangladesh”. Mr Islam maritime fishery sector”. Dr Rahim said that Bangladesh has some classified fishing vessels of 2.5 million small-scale fishers and Bangladesh into (i) Deep sea 35 to 40 000 fishing boats. Wood is trawlers, (ii) Wooden offshore boats, the basic material for boat and (iii) Small inshore and estuarine Top to bottom: Mr Syed Ataur construction. Design is based on boats. Rahman, Mr Parikshit Datta traditional knowledge. Choudhury, He said that deep sea trawlers have Mr Md Mokammel Hossain, Mr Islam said that during the been imported from South east Asia. Cdr Mir Ershad Ali, Mr R Ravikumar. monsoon, cyclonic weather caused Offshore wooden boats operate in a

14 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 hazardous environment. Those made material in South Asian countries. from locally available wood last 4 to They also agreed on registration of 5 years, while boats of imported boatyards to ensure quality. wood last more than 10 years. There The workshop emphasized the need is no dearth of skilled craftsmen in for a proper surveillance and Chittagong and Cox’s Bazaar, reporting system for accidents and Dr Rahim said. The problems are incidents at sea. Fishing effort lack of public finance as well as should be aligned with scientifically lack of training in boat design. assessed fish stocks for proper The session’s final paper was fisheries management. presented by Mr Sk Mostafizur were discussed, and A ‘precautionary approach’ should Rahman, Project Director, RFLDP recommendations followed. be adopted toward fishing effort till reliable data on stocks was available. Barisal component. He shared with Recommendations the workshop the experience of the The workshop agreed that existing The workshop emphasized the need ECFC project in Cox’s Bazaar rules and regulations (e.g. SOLAS for a database on the fishing fleet district during 2000-2006. 1974; Marine Fisheries Ordnance, and a proper boat registration Mr Rahman said the Project was 1983 ) do have adequate provisions mechanism. This would help check implemented in all the eight to ensure the safety of fishers at sea, piracy, which is rampant in upazilas of Cox’s Bazaar District, but their application at the field Bangladesh waters. It also stressed covering 117 villages. The project level must be improved. Fishing the need for insurance of life and targeted the poor and the vessel inspectors and surveyors property of fishers as a necessary disadvantaged, assisted must be trained to interpret rules condition for sea safety. At present, communities in empowerment, and regulations concerning safety. such insurance does not exist. introduced economic and An implementable National SAR The workshop recommended a community welfare activities, ran plan should be formulated, which national fisheries management plan a community radio programme, identifies the roles, responsibilities drawing on the strengths and needs facilitated conservation and and capacities of different players of all the players. Safety at sea management of natural resources responsible for SAR. would be a necessary ingredient of through community-based The workshop recommended that such a plan, besides resource approaches. boat owners be persuaded to provide management, effort control and Mr Rahman said that the project adequate communication and modernization. decentralized implementation of navigation equipment to the crew. The workshop agreed on pilot-scale activities. Fishers, especially Awareness programmes should be implementation of activities in the women, took active part. Lack of undertaken on proper use of fishing Cox’s Bazar area on the basis of safety equipment, inadequate access gear, safety and communication recommendations made by the three to weather information, equipment, the use of distress groups. The activities included (i) inappropriate design and signals, etc. Communication awareness-building at the construction of small fishing boats, equipment like VHF must be community level, (ii) promotion of absence of a strong data base on demonstrated and then introduced. an MCS regime through database accidents at sea, inadequate SAR The community should be building and simplification of operations – these were the major systematic in reporting accidents at registration procedures, and drawbacks concerning sea safety for sea and in implementing safety (iii) development of technical small-scale fishers. guidelines among fishers. NGOs guidelines and information materials and CBOs can play a vital role in The workshop’s second technical on sea safety including this effort. session consisted of group boatbuilding, life-saving appliances, discussions. Participants were The workshop agreed that skills of distress and weather signals, etc. divided into three groups. They boatbuilders and other service Mr Parikshit Datta Choudhury discussed knowledge gaps in fisher providers should be augmented expressed his satisfaction over the communities on safety awareness; through training. Traditional wooden outcome of the workshop. He hoped boats are inadequate for modern knowledge gaps in national agencies its recommendations would be taken on safety at sea initiatives; and fishing practices. Skill variations up for implementation by the knowledge gaps in the service among different boatbuilding BOBP-IGO and other agencies, and industry on safety aspects for the centers must be looked at. assured full government support for fisheries sector. Participants agreed on the need to the project’s implementation. Each group presented its ideas and diversify boatbuilding materials: Dr Y S Yadava proposed a vote of findings to the workshop. These FRP is now a common boatbuilding thanks.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 15 Management Plan for Hilsa India, Bangladesh and Myanmar Lay out Road Map for a Management Plan for Hilsa Fisheries

elegates from Bangladesh, India and Myanmar have Dlaid out a road map for a management plan for hilsa fisheries. This was done at a regional consultation organized by the BOBP-IGO on March 14-15, 2008, at the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore (Kolkata). Welcoming delegates, Dr Y S Yadava, Director of the BOBP-IGO, recalled that management plans for two important commercial fisheries – hilsa and sharks – were first mooted at the Second Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee of the BOBP-IGO in Chennai in Participants at the Regional Consultation. February 2007. It was suggested universities in the region. (The • A data collection, collation and that the management plan for hilsa status paper would discuss compilation mechanism would be fisheries should be prepared by resources, production, MSY, stock set up in member-countries; a Bangladesh, India and Myanmar assessment, impacts, legal and National Task Force would be and the management plan for shark policy support, projects & established in India and fisheries by India, Maldives and programmes, etc.) Myanmar; a ‘Hilsa portal or Sri Lanka. Although Myanmar is website’ would be created for the • A stakeholder consultation on not a member of the BOBP-IGO, its Bay of Bengal region. inclusion was considered essential hilsa management would be since hilsa forms an important organized in each of the three • Awareness materials on commercial species in the Irrawady countries. Alternative livelihoods conservation and sustainable River System. for hilsa fishers would be an exploitation of hilsa fisheries important part of the consultation. would be prepared. At the Barrackpore consultation, the opening session was followed by a Key Institutions Supporting Institutions technical session (with papers from Bangladesh the three countries on the status of Bangladesh Fisheries Research • Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock hilsa). On the basis of guidelines put Institute, Mymensingh • Department of Fisheries up by the BOBP-IGO secretariat, the India delegates prepared information Central Inland Fisheries Research • Ministry of Agriculture (Department logframes and laid out a road map as Institute, Barrackpore of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries) follows for a management plan: • Fishery Survey of India, • A comprehensive status paper • Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi would be prepared on hilsa fisheries resources, including a Myanmar bibliography on research work. Fisheries Resource Conservation • Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries Action: R&D institutions and Unit, Yangon • Department of Fisheries

16 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 • A Gantt chart (on page 18) of Hilsa Fishery in Bangladesh”. A majority of hilsa catch (60-70%) covering the period April - He described hilsa as the “national occurs during the peak breeding September, 2008 was prepared to fish of Bangladesh”, and said it season. carry out these activities in a accounts for 50-60 percent of the Dr Ahmed referred to three systematic time-frame. global hilsa catch, 12 to 13 percent important management measures of national fish production and about During the opening session, undertaken recently by the 1 percent of the country’s GDP. Dr Yadava said the hilsa fishery – Bangladesh Department of which is a source of food, nutrition Dr Ahmed said the annual average Fisheries. These are the special and livelihoods in the coastal, of hilsa landings during the period operation to protect and conserve estuarine and inland areas of the 1983-84 to 2006-07, was 2 10 498 juvenile hilsa, the jatka; declaration three countries – is at present tonnes. During the last two decades, of hilsa sanctuaries in major nursery subject to severe stress from natural hilsa production from inland waters grounds; and conservation of gravid and anthropogenic impacts. Both declined about 12 percent, while hilsa in the major spawning grounds qualitative and quantitative changes production from the marine sector for uninterrupted spawning. Since have occurred in the landings of this increased two-fold. The number of hilsa is a common resource of the species in recent years. marine fishing boats and gear has Bay of Bengal, with Bangladesh, A management plan is therefore increased about four times since India and Myanmar together urgent to check further impacts on 1984-85, resulting in tremendous harvesting 90-95 percent of the the fishery. fishing pressure on hilsa fisheries in resource, a tri-country initiative for marine waters. Dr Musharaf Ali, Assistant hilsa management and conservation Commissioner (Fisheries), Explaining the results of a scientific is urgently required for , expressed study, Dr Ahmed said that the hilsa sustainability. concern over the declining stocks of of Bangladesh, India and Myanmar Dr K K Vass presented a country hilsa due to human intervention, and belong to the same stock. Most hilsa paper on “Status of Hilsa Fishery in called for all-out management effort. born in fresh waters live and grow in India”. He said hilsa occurs on the the sea and migrate upstream for Dr K K Vass, Director of CIFRI and east coast of India (river Ganga and breeding and feeding. The adults its tributaries, the Chilika chairperson of the Consultation, again return to the sea after spawning. congratulated the BOBP-IGO on its brackishwater lake), the rivers initiative of a Regional Some 4 60 000 fishers from 1 83 000 Brahmaputra and Barak in Assam Consultation. He said a management families are active in hilsa fisheries and rivers of the west coast. in Bangladesh. About 88 percent of plan for hilsa fisheries should look Dr Vass said that increased market the fishers have no land or less than beyond commercial aspects and take demand for hilsa and the high price 0.5 acre of land. Some 1 00 000 into account sustainability and it commands have increased the crafts engage in hilsa capture in livelihood issues. fishing pressure on the species inland waters, while mechanized during the past three to four Technical Session and non-mechanized boats and gear decades. The trend is continuing. Dr Khan Kamal Uddin Ahmed, in the marine sector number around Driven by the urge for higher Principal Scientific Officer of the 106 000. Commercial hilsa fishing harvests, fishers are deploying more Bangladesh Fisheries Research occurs in the marine and riverine and more effort, paying little Institute, Mymensing, Bangladesh, areas throughout the year and peaks attention to size or season. Such made a presentation on the “Status during September and October. indiscriminate exploitation has resulted in a remarkable decline in mean length and weight of catch, especially in larger river systems. Dr Vass suggested regulations on mesh size (for example, an increase in mesh size from the existing 8-12 cm to 9-13.5 cm) and optimum fishing effort on hilsa. Besides increasing the mean weight and overall production, this would also allow fishes to spawn at least once before being caught. Dr Vass recommended that a better understanding be obtained of the The Regional Consultation in progress. population dynamics and MSY of

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 17 Gantt Chart for proposed activities to support preparation of a coastal areas. These factors render a management plan for Hilsa. sound monitoring and control Sl. Management 2008 mechanism in a given fishing area No aspects April May June July August September difficult, particularly when 1.0 Preparation of harmonized management practices comprehensive status are absent. paper on hilsa He said the BOBP-IGO had drawn 2.0 Stakeholder up guidelines on working toward a consultation hilsa management plan from the 3.0 Setting up the data 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for collection mechanism Responsible Fisheries (CCRF). The 4.0 Setting up of National Guidelines include a “Framework Task Force for a Management Plan on Hilsa,” 5.0 Setting up of a ‘Hilsa which has four main heads relating Portal/ Website’ to information, institutional 6.0 Preparation of awareness materials arrangements, stakeholders, and finance and funding. hilsa species through stock research activities are being carried On the basis of this framework, an assessment conducted by countries out at present on hilsa fisheries. indicative discussion map with six sharing the resource. He also Technical assistance from regional log-tables was prepared and given to suggested a bibliography on hilsa; organizations like the BOBP-IGO the participants. The log tables were development of effective harvest and from developed countries would headed as follows: and post-harvest technologies; and be useful for a hilsa management Log 1: Status of Hilsa fishery in the investigations on the feasibility of plan. As precautionary measures, Bay of Bengal. raising of hilsa in the lacustrine Mr Oo suggested mesh size control Log 2: Natural and anthropogenic environment. and protection of juvenile hilsa. impacts. Mr U Aung Htay Oo, Senior Awareness-creation among fishers Log 3: Socio-economic analysis – Fisheries Officer (Research), for conservation and sustainable institutional arrangements. exploitation of the hilsa fishery Department of Fisheries, Log 4: Socio-economic analysis – would be essential. Government of Myanmar, said that awareness creation and training. in his country, small-scale fisheries Preparing a road map for the Log 5: Socio-economic analysis – generally comprise two categories management plan livelihood and trade. of fishermen – the fishing boat After the three country status Log 6: Economic analysis – funding owner and the crew. Most fishing reports on hilsa, Dr Y S Yadava requirements and provisions. boat owners do not go out to the discussed three peculiar Representatives of each country sea; but in the inland sector, many characteristics of hilsa. Its stocks are together analyzed the situation of of the boat owners are active in shared among three coastal states; it hilsa fisheries in their respective fishing. is migratory in character; it is countries in terms of information predominantly an artisanal fishery Discussing the state of information sought in the log tables for a distributed far and wide in the on hilsa, Mr Oo said that no specific management plan. Gaps in information, and the future course of action, were identified. The resulting log tables were presented to the Consultation. The Consultation constituted a technical committee in each country – key institution and supporting institutions – to initiate action on the management plan. It was also agreed that the next Regional Consultation on the subject will be held in Bangladesh during the last quarter of 2008, subject to the approval of the Government of Bangladesh.

18 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 TAC Meeting

BOBP-IGO holds Third Technical Advisory Committee

Meeting in Sri Lanka extensionists, fishermen and inspectors; strive for better fisheries he Third Technical Advisory would continue. Mr Indra management measures and safety Committee of the BOBP- Ranasinghe, Director General regulations; develop improved TIGO discussed and approved (Fisheries Development), MoFAR, communication systems; and apply the Organisation’s workplan for the proposed a vote of thanks. FAO draft guidelines for period April 2008-March 2009 at a construction and repair of small meeting in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, on Mr P Sivaraj (India), acting FRP fishing vessels. March 28-29, 2008. Senior fishery chairperson, said the BOBP-IGO was doing a commendable job in The Alaska Center of the National representatives from the four Institute of Occupational Safety and member-countries and an observer promoting the sustainability of marine fisheries in the region. Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for from the FAO took part. Mr Neomal Disease Control (CDC), USA, also Perera, Deputy Minister of Fisheries He appreciated the Organisation’s efforts in 2007-08. Sri Lanka was assists the project. It funds a & Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka, component on surveillance and was the chief guest at the inaugural unanimously chosen to chair the third meeting of the TAC. monitoring of fishing-related session. accidents at sea. Report on BOBP-IGO activities Dr Yugraj Singh Yadava, Director of During the year, National Dr Yadava presented the BOBP- BOBP-IGO, welcomed the chief Workshops were organized in IGO’s report for April 2007-March guest and the delegates. He said that Negombo, Sri Lanka (11-12 2008, and detailed the status of the TAC plays the important role in October 2007); Chennai, India (3-4 various activities undertaken as per the BOBP-IGO of identifying key December 2007); and Chittagong, the agreed work programme. issues for intervention. He urged Bangladesh (21-22 January 2008). member-countries to thoroughly Safety at Sea: The South Asia Government officials, fishers, review past work and set future Component of the Global Project on boatbuilders, other service providers directions. “Safety at Sea for Small-scale and NGOs took part. At these Mr G Piyasena, Secretary, Ministry Fisheries (GCP/GLO/200/MUL)” workshops, gaps in information, of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources implemented by the FAO (Fisheries service and policy on sea safety (MoFAR), Sri Lanka, said that Industries Division) through the issues were identified. National member-countries had the will and BOBP-IGO was initiated in May 2007. action plans for pilot- scale capacity to work closely with the The project seeks to analyse data to implementation were designed. BOBP-IGO. He hoped the meeting identify the causes of accidents; The joint FAO-IMO Project on would yield important outputs for educate and train trainers, “Tsunami Reconstruction and sustainable development and management of fisheries in the Bay of Bengal region. In his inaugural address, Minister Neomal Perera described the BOBP-IGO as a unique regional fisheries body to help governments improve the quality of life of small- scale fishers in the region and strengthen their livelihood opportunities. He recalled with appreciation the three-day Regional Consultation in Sri Lanka on “Preparation of Management Plans for Shark Fisheries”. He hoped the fruitful partnership between Sri Lanka and the BOBP-IGO Participants at the Technical Advisory Committee Meeting.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 19 Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and India (and India on Small Myanmar as observer country); and Safety” was also initiated during the a management plan for shark period. This project assesses the fisheries covering India, Maldives standards of boats built and and Sri Lanka. distributed to fishers as part of The Hilsa consultation was tsunami relief. It introduces organised in Barrackpore (Kolkata), construction and equipment India, on 14-15 March, 2008. standards for small fishing vessels, Eleven delegates took part. After on the basis of the FAO/ILO/IMO reports and discussion on the Voluntary Guidelines for the current status of hilsa fisheries Design, Construction and resources, the Consultation Mr Neomal Perera, Deputy Minister Equipment of Small Fishing Vessels. recommended an action plan to for Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Mr Oyvind Gulbrandsen, FAO/ initiate a management plan. Government of Sri Lanka. BOBP-IGO Consultant, did a A detailed report on the ‘Hilsa detailed assessment in November- Consultation’ is available on pp 16-18. (4-8 February, 2008) to formulate December 2007 of the quality of international guidelines for the Likewise, a regional consultation on construction and design of small- management of deep-sea fisheries in shark fisheries (held in Beruwala, scale fishing vessels in India and the high seas. Sri Lanka, 24-26 March, 2008) Sri Lanka. He would provide agreed on an action plan. The Discussion on BOBP-IGO guidelines for the construction of detailed report on the ‘Shark activities FRP fishing vessels and wooden Consultation’ can be seen on pp 47-50. Catch statistics: Mr Simon Funge- fishing vessels (below 24 meter in Smith (FAO) said that while the length), commonly used in India Miscellaneous: The BOBP-IGO’s quantity of fish catch has gone up in and Sri Lanka, and also guidelines attractive 2008 desk calendar the region, the landings show a for FRP boatyards in the region. focused on sea-safety measures. disturbing trend since we are fishing The FAO Fishery Officer (Mr Roger A single-sheet wall calendar and a down the food chain. The BOBP- Kullberg) attached to the Safety at set of six laminated placards on IGO should inform national distress signals and checklists were Sea Project made field visits to governments and the FAO about this prepared as awareness material for Patuakhali, Kuakata and Barisal in trend. fishers. Bangladesh from 23 to 29 January Mr Sk Mostafizur Rahman 2008. He studied and assessed the The BOBP-IGO has published a (Bangladesh): A management plan quality of fishing boats – their newsletter and 12 posters in English for protection of shark fisheries is construction, availability of on the Code of Conduct for needed in Bangladesh too, because communication and safety Responsible Fisheries (CCRF), and in recent years large quantities of equipment, and safety preparedness initiated a process to translate them shark juveniles are being caught in of the crew, etc. into Bangla, Dhivehi, Oriya, Bangladesh waters. Bangladesh The Regional Workshop on Sinhalese, Telugu and Tamil. should therefore be included in the “Monitoring, Control and Archiving is being done of over BOBP-IGO’s management plans for Surveillance (RW-MCS) for marine 50 000 photographs relating to three shark. (The TAC asked the fisheries in the Bay of Bengal” was decades of the programme. Secretariat to raise the issue at the held in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on Supportive activities: The BOBP- next Governing Council meeting.) 16-18 January 2008. Twenty-three IGO collaborated with UNDP and Utilization of : Dr Champa representatives from ministries and the Government of Orissa in Amarasiri (Sri Lanka) said that departments of fisheries; the Coast preparing a report on “Development coastal fishing effort in Guard and the Navy; the Mercantile of Marine Fisheries and Post-harvest Sri Lanka can’t be increased further. Marine Department; fisheries Sectors in Orissa”. It helped Offshore waters offer some scope; research institutions; boatbuilders implement a training project on even here, reports of over- and fish exporters of the region; “Promotion of Community-based exploitation of yellowfin tuna experts plus the FAO took part. The Fishery Resource Management by suggest the need for caution. Chittagong Resolution (see page 42) Coastal Small-scale Fishers in Mr Sivaraj said that India’s offshore was a significant outcome of the Thailand”. It took part in an expert waters are yet to be exploited for workshop. consultation on “Low Cost Fisheries tuna and tuna like species. Resource Management: Two Management Strategies and Cost Dr Shiham Adam (Maldives) said Regional Consultations were Recovery,” held in Georgetown, that skipjack stocks organised – to discuss management Guyana, 4-7 September 2007; and are resilient, and are not being over- plans for hilsa fisheries, covering in a technical consultation in Rome exploited.

20 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Mr Funge-Smith said the FAO is management plans on important fish leased out on a long-term basis for considering a Regional Technical species; an effective regional MCS aquaculture. Cooperation Programme (TCP) on system; regional cooperation in Sri Lanka: Dr Amarasiri said that improved utilization of tuna, to be weather forecasting; and networking Sri Lanka’s priority is to develop the implemented through INFOFISH, of community-based organisations coastal tuna longline fishery. The Kuala Lumpur. Some BOBP-IGO in fisheries. skills and capacities of small-scale member-countries might also be He said member-countries should tuna longliners must be upgraded, included in the Regional TCP. He harmonize management practices fish handling and processing must suggested that member-countries for shared stocks – including ban on be improved both on-board and after could consult the Indian Ocean Tuna destructive fishing practices and landing. To ensure a continuous Commission (IOTC), and raise declaration of closed seasons for supply of low-cost good-quality issues with the IOTC Working Party fishing. bait, Sri Lanka plans to initiate milk on Tropical , which would be and to introduce bait held later this year. Dr Amarasiri India: Mr P Sivaraj said the fishery in coastal areas. The country said that member-countries ought to activities of the BOBP-IGO were in needs a tuna fishery management prepare their own plans before line with India’s priorities. Activities plan and a fleet development plan to approaching the IOTC. such as safety at sea and MCS have been included in India’s 11th Five- exploit tuna resources in a Delegates suggested a BOBP-IGO Year Plan. The BOBP-IGO is sustainable manner, Dr Amarasiri strategy consultation on tuna playing an important role in creating said. fisheries, which would include awareness among fishers and Discussion on country proposals representatives of industry as well. promoting sustainable fisheries in Initiating discussions on the country The Director of BOBP-IGO should India. It should step up efforts to proposals and priorities, Dr Adam attend the next meeting of IOTC, it disseminate the CCRF so that it said that development of milk fish was felt. reaches a critical mass of hatcheries for bait fishing is Mr Rahman suggested joint stock stakeholders. Mr Sivaraj suggested important to the Maldives. Listing assessments by member-countries. that the BOBP-IGO should help some collaboration options, The Indian delegate said the transfer useful technologies from Dr Yadava said that at present India Fisheries Survey of India (FSI) one member-country to another, imports milk fish from the could carry out regional surveys of especially in small and medium- Philippines. The Network of stocks. BOBP-IGO said it could sized boat construction. Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific support the participation cost of one Maldives: Dr Shiham Adam said (NACA), Bangkok, could be technical person from each member- that while tuna continued to be the approached to develop milk fish country in the fishing vessels of FSI, mainstay of fisheries in the farming in the region. after agreements among member- Maldives, coastal fisheries countries. The delegate from (especially reef fisheries) are an Dr Funge-Smith endorsed the Sri Lanka pointed out that accessing important source of income and proposal of the Secretariat for data from joint surveys was at times livelihoods for communities in the associating NACA with milk fish difficult. This negated the objectives outer atolls of the Maldives. The farming. He said that the Philippines of such surveys. rapid expansion of tourism has has good technology in milk fish farming and is now moving towards The TAC advised the Secretariat to increased the demand for reef a cage-based milk fish culture. He, encourage multilateral agreements fishes. however, cautioned that issues among member-governments. Dr Adam said that reef sharks in the related to disease transfer should be If possible, key institutions should Maldives are being severely carefully considered. He also said be identified for easy and timely depleted and gulper sharks are being that NACA had already developed dissemination of data among the over-exploited. The other fisheries technology for grouper fisheries. stakeholders. that need attention include aquarium fishes, sea cucumbers and lobsters. Referring to the MCS priorities of Proposals and priorities from At present, Maldivian ornamental Bangladesh, Dr Yadava said that member-countries fishes have limited direct access to countries may like to first develop Bangladesh: Mr Rahman identified foreign markets; they are mostly their national MCS action plans areas in marine fisheries where exported to Sri Lanka and through stakeholder consultations. BOBP-IGO could play a major role re-exported from there to markets He said the Secretariat is in tapping the potential of his abroad. One of the priorities for networking with FAO and other country’s marine waters – such as Maldives is to develop mariculture international agencies to explore the information networking among so as to reduce the effort on wild scope for external assistance and member-countries on fish stocks and stocks. The Government has funding. Mr Funge-Smith suggested creation of a fish data base; announced 11 potential sites to be that the BOBP-IGO discuss possible

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 21 harbours or fish landing sites, and raise awareness among stakeholders about measures necessary to strengthen safety and improve hygiene. The delegate from Sri Lanka said that waste disposal at the Beruwala Fishing Harbour has been very successful; this could be a model for other harbours in the region. Mr Funge-Smith suggested that the Secretariat look at the FAO-TCP Project on ‘Cleaner Fishing Harbours’ implemented in India. Secretariat: Work Plan The Technical Advisory Committee in progress. Presenting the BOBP-IGO’s work collaborations with the FISHCODE address the problem of small-scale plan for the period April 2008- programme and the IUU Monitoring fishers and develop a coping March 2009, Dr Yadava said the Network of DFID. He also strategy for them. IGO would continue with its suggested that information capacity-building and resource networking should be strengthened. Dr Adam said that Maldives had management activities. It would proposed a subsidy scheme for carry out two scoping studies on Presentation on Regional fishers to offset the effect of price management of small-scale tuna Programmes/ Activities/ Issues of hike. He suggested that the study fisheries and management of brood topical importance may look into fuel efficiency. The stock of tiger shrimp, besides the The Secretariat proposed four new Bangladesh delegate said that a fuel four proposed new activities. activities during 2008-2009. subsidy for fishing boats was The TAC endorsed the work plan introduced 10 years ago in his a) Preparatory studies on and asked the Secretariat to present country. Mr Ravikumar, FAO alternative livelihoods for fishers: it at the next meeting of the Regional Sea Safety Coordinator, A few comprehensive socio- Governing Council. said that fishers tend to increase economic studies could be taken up. Secretariat: Review of Role of TAC Eventual aims: to encourage fishers engine power without any genuine to think beyond fishing and reduce need to do so. It is more of a rat race The Secretariat requested the fishing effort, and reduce the and needs to be curbed. The TAC to evaluate its own role, as vulnerability of fishers to various chairperson said that the Cey-Nor recommended by the BOBP/IGO’s shocks. Foundation in Sri Lanka, which Governing Council. The looks into marketing aspects, offers representative of FAO suggested Mr Ranasinghe said that fishers guaranteed prices. The that TAC should develop the mariculture, aquaculture, scheme has been working well for construction work and dress-making Organisation’s work plan, make the last seven years; presently, 19 policy recommendations to the had been tried out on a pilot basis as varieties of fish species are covered alternative livelihoods for fishers in Governing Council and identify under this scheme. Mr Funge-Smith emerging issues in fisheries. Sri Lanka during the last four years. said that subsidies can keep the Of these, aquaculture (sea bass prices of fish artificially low, Some members felt that a review of farming in the Negombo lagoon) was resulting in their over-exploitation. the role of TAC was premature since the most successful. the BOBP-IGO is only about five Mr Ranasinghe said that good c) Study of the impact of climate years old. Such reviews can be technical guidance is a pre-requisite change on fisheries: This will conducted after 10 to 15 years. for any alternative livelihood activity. record and monitor research efforts The TAC adopted the report of the The FAO Representative said that in member-countries in tracking the impact of climate change, meeting, recorded its deep Spain is supporting FAO in appreciation to the Government of implementing the Asia-Pacific Rural particularly on coastal fisheries. Information will be disseminated. Sri Lanka for its hospitality, and and Agricultural Credit Association agreed to hold its next meeting early (APRACA) programme in which d) Study on capacity-building in 2009 in Bangladesh, subject to the Sri Lanka is proposed to be included. food safety in marine fisheries: concurrence of the Government. b) Study on impact of fuel price The aim is to improve handling of hike on marine fisheries: This will fish on board and at fishing

22 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Governing Council Meeting BOBP-IGO’s Governing Council Holds Fourth Meeting in Dhaka

he Fourth Meeting of the BOBP-IGO’s Governing TCouncil was held at the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council, Dhaka, on 6-7 May 2008. Representatives of member- countries (Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka) took part, besides an observer from The WorldFish Center and the Secretariat of the BOBP-IGO. Mr Manik Lal Samaddar, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL), Bangladesh, was the Chief Guest and chaired the inaugural session. Mr Syed Ataur Rahman, Secretary, MoFL, Special Guest; Delegates at the Fourth Meeting of Governing Council in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mr Parikshit Datta Choudhury, Joint Secretary, MoFL; and Mr Rafiqul management capacity, and foster complimented the BOBP-IGO and Islam, Director-General, regional cooperation to address the called for continued co-operation Department of Fisheries (DoF) took complex problems of marine among member-countries through part in the inaugural session, along fisheries. the IGO to address emerging issues. with senior officials from the Mr Rafiqul Islam said that though Mr Syed Ataur Rahman expressed Bangladesh Agricultural Research fisheries contributes about 5.3 deep concern and sympathy for the Council; DoF; the Bangladesh percent to the GDP of Bangladesh victims of cyclone Nargis that hit Coast Guard; and representatives and is the second-biggest foreign coastal Myanmar on 04 May 2008, from industry and the media. exchange earner after garments, and for victims of cyclone SIDR Welcoming delegates, Dr Y S most marine fishers are poor and that devastated lives and livelihoods Yadava, Director, BOBP-IGO, said lack significant fishing assets. Most in southern coastal districts of the Organisation had completed five of the 40 000 mechanised fishing Bangladesh, especially in Barisal. years of existence as an IGO and boats in Bangladesh are Mr Rahman said Bangladesh is yet was well-recognized internationally. unregistered. He referred to the to realize optimum yield from its It had fruitful relationships with the ‘knowledge gap’ among fishers aquatic wealth in the Bay of Bengal FAO, the National Institute of about sea safety, weather conditions (BoB). He called for collective Occupational Safety and Health, and the right fishing gear – which action by BOBP-IGO to tap the USA, the Swedish International affects their well-being. resources of the Bay in a sustainable Development Agency and several manner. He recalled the IGO’s work Mr Islam recalled with appreciation other international organizations. on initiating preparation of a the development work of the He thanked member-countries for management plan for hilsa fisheries, erstwhile BOBP in marine fisheries their support. and the national workshop on sea and its role in fostering regional safety for small-scale fishers Dr Yadava said that global marine cooperation. fisheries is passing through a crisis (January 2008, Chittagong). He for several reasons, ranging from Mr Abdulla Naseer, Permanent hoped that its outcomes would be anthropogenic impacts to climate Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, implemented. He said Myanmar change to excess fishing capacity. Agriculture and Marine Resources, should be brought into the fold of the He urged member-countries to Maldives, and Chairman of the BOBP-IGO to help better fishery harness all available expertise and Governing Council, also resource management of the Bay.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 23 In his inaugural address, Mr Manik and member-countries who have Lal Samaddar welcomed delegates supported safety at sea activities in and expressed condolences to the region. victims of cyclone Nargis in Dr Abdulla Naseer said that safety- Myanmar. at-sea requirements of Maldives are Mr Samaddar described the BoB as unique in the sense that no serious a valuable resource in terms of food, accidents or mortalities occur. trade, employment and biodiversity. Fishing boats in the Maldives are Fisheries and aquaculture therefore well-equipped, different from those enjoy huge potential. But while of other member-countries, and marine fish production is stagnating the South Asia component of the Maldivians are first-rate fishers. But because of unsustainable fishing global project); the regional the fleet is being modernized fast, practices, aquaculture has workshop on ‘Monitoring, Control and working knowledge on various limitations due to limited water area. and Surveillance for Marine communication and navigation devices needs to be improved. The Mr Samaddar said the BOBP-IGO is Fisheries in the Bay of Bengal; two Safety at Sea Project should include helping popularize the Code of regional consultations on such training in its activities in Conduct for Responsible Fisheries preparation of management plans Maldives. This would enable fishers (CCRF) and initiating action on for hilsa and shark fisheries; to make multi-day fishing trips, as monitoring, control and surveillance translation of the Technical opposed to the single-day fishing in (MCS). The GCM should further Guidelines on Marine Fisheries of vogue now. enhance regional cooperation in the CCRF into Bangla and Telugu; fisheries and enable sustainable publication of theme-based annual Dr Naseer said the incidence of management and development of calendars, laminated placards on illegal, unreported and unregulated coastal fisheries in the region. safety at sea; the quarterly (IUU) fishing in Maldivian waters newsletter Bay of Bengal News; was increasing. Fishers often report Mr Parikshit Datta Choudhury, Joint and digitization of the organisation’s the presence of IUU fishing vessels, Secretary, MoFL proposed a vote of visual archives. but the EEZ is large and it’s difficult thanks. Other supporting activities for their Coast Guard to patrol the Bangladesh was unanimously implemented during the year: entire area. He urged the Governing elected to chair the Fourth GCM. Assistance to the International Council to consider the issue of Dr Naseer (Maldives) thanked the Cooperative Alliance in illegal fishing and member-countries Governing Council and the BOBP- implementing a training project on to work closely in the matter. IGO Secretariat for support during “Promotion of Community-based Mr M K R Nair (India), his tenure as chairperson of the Fishery Resource Management by complimented the BOBP-IGO for Governing Council. Coastal Small-scale Fishers in its excellent accomplishments Thailand”; collaboration with the Report of the BOBP-IGO (March during the year. He asked whether UNDP and the Government of 2007-April 2008) BOBP-IGO activities are Orissa, in preparing a report on sufficiently gender-centric. Dr Yadava presented the report of development of marine fisheries in Dr V S Somvanshi (India), said that the BOBP-IGO for the period April Orissa; an expert consultation on statutory measures are needed to 2007-March 2008. He described the “Low Cost Fisheries Management support the Safety at Sea Project. BoB as a tropical ecosystem in a Strategies and Cost Recovery” held The standards aimed at under the monsoon belt. Growth of capture at Georgetown, Guyana, 4-7 Project cannot be sustained in a fisheries over the past decade has September 2007; and a technical statutory void, he said. been slowing, except in the consultation on “International Maldives. Millions of fishers in the Guidelines for the Management of Mr Rafiqul Islam (Bangladesh), Bay suffer the prospect of loss of Deep Sea Fisheries in the High suggested that CCRF should be livelihoods because of rising Seas”, held in Rome, Italy, 4-8 adapted to the needs of member- population, unsustainable fishing February 2008. countries. He expressed concern practices, habitat degradation and over IUU fishing, and emphasized Mr G Piyasena, Secretary, Ministry post-harvest losses. Further decline the need for effective MCS in of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, could be disastrous. marine waters. Sri Lanka, said that his country is Dr Yadava described the activities engaging the BOBP-IGO in various While acknowledging the good carried out by BOBP-IGO under ways to take forward work done so far, he suggested that various heads. The safety at sea implementation of safety at sea the Secretariat consider taking up project implemented by the FAO programmes. He thanked the more activities for which additional through the BOBP-IGO (which is BOBP-IGO Secretariat, the FAO funds could be mobilized. A mission

24 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 and vision statement for the BOBP- Dr Naseer said the Dhivehi version during the year. The report of the IGO should be prepared for the next of the CCRF, translated by the Secretariat for April 2007-March five years and placed for approval at BOBP-IGO, was used extensively 2008 was adopted. during the stakeholder consultations the next meeting of the Governing Report on the Third Technical to finalise the new fisheries Council. This should include a Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting strategic action plan (SAP) for legislation of the country. Each and implementation. every participant at the Consultation The Secretariat presented the report was given with a copy of the Code. of the Third Meeting of the TAC Dr Giasuddin Khan (Observer, held at Beruwala, Sri Lanka, on The WorldFish Center) He concurred with the idea of a 28-29 March, 2008. complimented the BOBP-IGO for mission and vision statement and a Dr Giasuddin Khan enquired about its work despite time and human SAP for the BOBP-IGO. He said the BOBP-IGO partnering resource constraints. He said that member-countries should guide the organisations like SEAFDEC (South Bangladeshi fishers are more Secretariat in preparing the East Asian Fisheries Development vulnerable to risks at sea than proposed road map, which was to be Center) and BOBLME ( Bay of others; the minimum safety submitted to the Governing Council Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem) requirements on board fishing at its next meeting. The archives of that are active in marine fisheries. vessels should be promoted at the the former BOBP and the The Director, BOBP-IGO, said in earliest. He urged a country-specific documentation created by the reply that discussions have been approach for proper implementation BOBP-IGO should be put to going on with SEAFDEC on various of the Code of Conduct. maximum use, said Dr Naseer. activities. But the BOBLME is not He said the important work of the Dr Somvanshi was pleased with the fully functional yet. The Secretariat erstwhile BOBP over three phases programmes concerning safety of welcomed the suggestion of should be reviewed to find out fishers, fishing boat construction cooperation with these whether some useful follow-up and fish stocks. He said the organisations. could be done and recommendations outcomes of such programmes The Bangladesh delegate said that still valid could be adopted. He said should be integrated into policy a stock assessment exercise being basic studies on the health of fish documents and legislation. carried out with support from the stocks are very important. Historical Responding to the various Islamic Development Bank and the trends in fish production should be suggestions made, the Director of Government of Malaysia would be analysed to plan for the future the BOBP-IGO said the objective of completed within two years. India growth of marine fisheries in the assimilating the principles of CCRF said the Fishery Survey of India region. would be addressed in two stages. could help out with stock Mr Piyasena, said that Sri Lanka During the first, the document assessment programme through was finalizing legislation for boat would be popularized among bilateral or multilateral construction norms for presentation stakeholders by circulating arrangements. The BOBP-IGO to Parliament. The Government translated versions of the main Code could facilitate such a process. The proposed to convene a stakeholder and its Technical Guidelines. observer from The WorldFish consultation in this connection, and Adapting the Code to meet local Center suggested that capacity- BOBP-IGO’s assistance would be requirements should be attempted in building in stock assessment was required to facilitate the process. the second stage. vital and that this suggestion should He also said that a management plan About gender-focus activities, he be taken up on a priority basis. was urgently needed for many said that the Secretariat proposed to Role of Technical Advisory important fishery resources that had conduct detailed studies on the role Committee got depleted. The Canadian of women in fisheries. He asked International Development Agency member-countries to identify The Director, BOBP-IGO said that was helping out with management women consultants for the proposed the Third GCM had recommended plans for a few important fin and study. About possible interventions that the Secretariat make a thorough shell fish species, but more species in the cyclone-affected areas of assessment of the mandate and needed to be included in the ambit Myanmar, he proposed that BOBP- functions of the TAC and present a of management plans. The BOBP- IGO ask the concerned agency in report to the Governing Council. IGO could provide technical inputs Myanmar whether it would need The issue was raised at the Third for such plans. technical inputs from BOBP-IGO. Meeting of TAC. This meeting suggested that the TAC could inter Mr Piyasena said Sri Lanka fully The Chair remarked that BOBP- alia play the following roles: endorsed the idea of a mission and IGO had undertaken voluminous vision statement for BOBP-IGO and and important activities for (i) develop the work plan for the formulation of a SAP. development of marine fisheries Organisation,

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 25 Administrative Matters The Governing Council approved the appointment of M/s Varadarajan & Co, Chartered Accountants, Chennai, as auditors for the BOBP- IGO for 2007 and 2008. It agreed to the terms of reference proposed for the post of Senior Programme Advisor. The Secretariat was asked to circulate the vacancy announcement widely and write to member-countries as well for further circulation within ministries and departments. The Governing Council also agreed to the Secretariat’s proposal to recruit a Policy Analyst. The GCM approved the terms of reference for (ii) suggest policy building and resource management the post and suggested that this post recommendations to the activities. The Secretariat would also be publicized widely. Governing Council, and carry out two scoping studies on (iii) identify emerging issues in management of small-scale tuna The idea of secondment of technical fisheries. fisheries and management of tiger personnel from member-countries to shrimp fisheries and four new the BOBP-IGO Secretariat for a In general, the TAC members were studies on alternative livelihoods, period ranging from 12 to 18 satisfied with the functions of the impact of fuel price hike on marine months was agreed to in principle. TAC and appreciative of the tasks fisheries, impact of climate change The GCM asked the Secretariat to accomplished by the TAC. Members on marine fisheries and capacity- submit a detailed proposal to also felt the BOBP-IGO is just about building for improving food safety member-countries. five years old; it might be premature in marine fisheries. In addition, a Other Matters to examine the role of TAC at this vision and mission document and a The Governing Council suggested juncture. Such reviews could be SAP would be presented in the next that in future the BOBP-IGO may conducted after 10 to 15 years. meeting of the GCM. also play the role of a management The Bangladesh delegate suggested In response, the GCM agreed to the advisory body in the region for that the DoF would be more following changes in the activities: sustainable development of fish appropriate than the Bangladesh (i) For ‘Fisherfolk Week’ stocks in the Bay of Bengal. The Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) celebrations, the Secretariat Secretariat was asked to prepare a to represent his country in the TAC. will prepare documentaries on note on the proposal for the next The Governing Council suggested developmental issues relevant meeting of the Governing Council. that a review of the role of TAC be to the needs of each member- The Governing Council taken up after five years i.e. in 2013. country. unanimously agreed that Myanmar It also said that BFRI should (ii) On the engagement of local should be requested to joint the continue to represent Bangladesh as consultants, the process shall BOBP-IGO. The Government of a technical and research be initiated in consultation with India was asked to take the lead in organisation. the focal point in each member- the matter. The Governing Council accepted the country. The Governing Council thanked Report of the Third Meeting of the (iii) In the proposed study on Bangladesh for hosting the fourth TAC presented by the Secretariat. “Impact of Fuel Price Hike on GCM and accepted India’s offer to Marine Fisheries”, a component host the next meeting early in 2009. IGO programme and activities for on the impact on consumers and The Report of the Governing April 2008-March 2009 remedial measures may be Council was adopted on 07 May The Director, BOBP-IGO, presented included in the study. 2008. the proposed programme and (iv) The Secretariat may develop a activities for April 2008-March, 2009. base paper on “Preparation of The work plan proposed that BOBP- National Plans of Action on IGO continue with its capacity- IUU Fishing”.

26 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 MSC Meeting

Developing World Working Group of the Marine Stewardship Council Meets in Brussels, Belgium

he Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has set up a Developing World Working Group T(DWWG) to advise the Council. The DWWG is an important specialist group of the MSC and meets annually. The second meeting of the DWWG was held in Brussels, Belgium on 26 April 2008. Dr Y S Yadava, Director of BOBP-IGO and a member of the DWWG, took part. Ms Meredith Lopuch of the Worldwide Fund for Nature chaired the meeting. Ms Yemi Oloruntuyi of the Council provided a brief update on recent developments. She said that MSC is doing pilot assessments of six small-scale fisheries. It is also researching exports (by origin and species) of small-scale fisheries to markets of DWWG Members at the Meeting in Brussels. the developed world. The Working Group said it was necessary to raise The Council updated members on the status of projects awareness about the MSC and its programmes and their suggested at the 2007 meeting of the DWWG. These potential benefits in developing nations – including included a trust fund for capacity-building; incentives government and private managers and potential donors. for participation in the Marine Stewardship Council; Funding was needed to strengthen and improve fisheries guidance for NGOs of developing nations; and keystone and make it certifiable. projects. The DWWG agreed that trade among Marine Stewardship Council developing nations should be increased. It also discussed ways by which members of DWWG could The Marine Stewardship discuss issues throughout the year rather than just once a Council (http://www.msc.org) year. It discussed three proposals in the meeting’s or the MSC is an international agenda: non-profit organization set up to • Developing a template to certify action plans; promote solutions to the problem of overfishing. The • MSC fishery associates; and MSC runs the only certification and eco-labelling • Fishery certification training package. programme for wild-capture fisheries consistent with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for setting Social Members evinced keen interest in the first and third and Environmental Standards and the Guidelines of proposals. They agreed that any training kit or tool for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United certification must include not only the economic and Nations on fisheries certification. market benefits of certification, but also the environmental and political benefits. The tools should Presently, over 160 fisheries are engaged in MSC build on work already done in developing countries programme with 43 certified, 102 under assessment relating to ecological sustainability and management. and another 20-30 in confidential pre-assessment. A range of projects was discussed, including the GTZ Worldwide, more than 2 500 sea food products resulting from the certified fisheries seal the blue development of tools to help fishers honour the Code of MSC eco-label. The estimated retail value of seafood Conduct for Responsible Fisheries; the COBI and products bearing the MSC logo is estimated around WWF pre-analysis tool; and the Parfish tool developed 1.4 billion US $ annually. MSC labeled products are by MRAG, which is used in India. currently available in 42 countries. Members pointed out that since MSC’s core mission is The MSC offices are located in London, Seattle, environmental sustainability, it should focus on Tokyo, Sydney, The Hague, Edinburgh, Berlin, and improving the fisheries environmental performance of Cape Town. members.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 27 Chittagong Fishing Harbour Photographs by S Jayaraj Text by S R Madhu Chittagong fishing harbour best reflects the hurly burly of marine fisheries in Bangladesh – teeming with boats, fishermen and fish, with fish traders, vendors and labourers. Boats are setting out to sea or landing, buyers and sellers are haggling over the latest bonanza from the seas. Decibel levels are high as fish is unloaded, bargains are demanded and struck, and the fish moves out to markets in lorries, hand carts or cycle rickshaws. The Chittagong fishing harbor, one of the biggest fish landing and berthing facilities in Bangladesh, includes the Patharghata Fishery Ghat and Monoharkhali BFDC (Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation) Ghat. Patharghata Fishery Ghat, a traditional landing site, handles more than 90 percent of the total fish landed in Chittagong. This Ghat has four fish landing points. While one point is operated by the Chittagong City Corporation, the other three are leased by the Chittagong Port Authority to private parties. The boats berth according to their convenience and pay Taka 200 per arrival and 2 percent of their total sale to the Point Authority. The Ghat Authority provides water, electricity and ensures security. The adjacent Monoharkhali BFDC Ghat was established in the early nineties and has one landing point. Few boats land their catch at this ghat due to siltation problem. BFDC handles the catch at this site and the revenue earned from the commission accrues to the Government. Some 46 percent of the 900 000 marine fishers of Bangladesh make their living from Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar. The country’s industrial fishery operates entirely out of Chittagong – you see industrial trawlers, gill netters, set bag netters, long lines and trammel nets – an

28 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 29 estimated 44 000 in 2006. Besides, small-scale fishermen make their living from the sea using dinghies, chandis and balams. The major fishing gear used in coastal areas and estuaries are gill net, set bagnet, trammel net, longline and beach seine. Fisheries is one of the mainstays of the Bangladesh economy. It accounts for 4.86 percent of the GDP and 5.9 percent of exports, and supplies about 80 percent of the animal protein intake of its population. The country’s marine fish catch in 2005-06 was nearly half a million tonnes. (Inland fisheries accounts for the bulk of fish production of about 2 million tonnes.) More than 90% of the marine fish is landed by artisanal fishers, and some half a million people make a living from marine artisanal fisheries. Important species caught include hilsa, catfishes, Indian salmon, sea perch, Bombay duck, snapper, pomfret, Indian mackerel, shark, rays and prawns. The industrial fleet focuses mainly on shrimps. Over the years, the marine fishing fleet, of industrial as well as traditional craft, has expanded. But some stocks are being over- exploited, some others under- exploited, says Mr Md Rafiqul Islam, Director General, Department of Fisheries. Other problems with marine fisheries are lack of a reliable database, inadequate MCS (monitoring, control and surveillance), plus the impact of global warming and climate change. Some of the solutions advocated are: management action to control fishing effort, to be supported by all stakeholders; access rights only to registered fishers; a marine resource database and an effective monitoring system. The Chittagong harbour is life in the raw – the photographs on these pages provide glimpses. Harvesting the sea, for all its hazards, is perhaps easier for fishers than battling forces on land. Rarely is daily bread so hard earned.

30 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 31 Climate Change Impact of Climate Change on Indian Marine Fisheries*

s climate change the next Impact of climate change on Sea level rise in the Indian seas: apocalypse? Even optimists climatic parameters The Inter-governmental Panel on Iagree that it is one of the most Evidence of the impact of global Climate Change (IPCC) has critical global challenges of today. climate change on marine projected that the global annual Research shows that climate change environments is ample. But it is seawater temperature would rise by o may impact agriculture and regional rather than global climate 0.8 to 2.5 C by 2050. The sea level fisheries; endanger food security; models that are appropriate for would rise by 8 to 25 cm. The sea trigger sea-level rise; lead to sea ice observation and study of climate level rise for Cochin (southwest melting and glacier retreat; change impacts (Clark, 2006). coast) during the past century is aggravate natural disasters such as estimated at 2 cm (Emery and floods, cyclones and droughts; Analyzing data on sea surface Aubrey, 1989; Das and accelerate the erosion of coastal temperature (SST) and other Radhakrishna, 1993). But the rate of zones; quicken species extinction parameters from a variety of global increase is accelerating. It may rise and the spread of vector-borne sources, Vivekanandan et al. at the rate of 5 mm per year in diseases; cause coral bleaching and (2009a) found warming of the sea decades to come. This will decline in biodiversity. surface along the entire Indian accelerate erosion and increase the o coast. The SST increased by 0.2 C risk of flooding (Nicholls et al., 1999). How has climate change affected along the northwest, southwest and India? Can governments and northeast coasts and by 0.3oC along Impact on marine fisheries communities adapt to it? Both the southeast coast during the Production from marine capture research and action on the subject 45-year period from 1960 to 2005. fisheries has been stagnant during are at a nascent stage. But recent The team has predicted that the the past 10 years because of studies throw some light on the annual average SST in the Indian overfishing, unregulated fishing, subject. seas would increase by 2.0oC to habitat destruction and pollution; We summarize here the observations 3.5oC by 2099. climate change may exacerbate this and findings of two papers, by 30 scientists from World Wildlife Fund- 1961 - 1976 1977 - 1986 India (WWF) and the Central 29.5 Marine Fisheries Research Institute 29 (CMFRI) respectively. The authors 28.5 are Dr Prakash Rao and 27 Dr E Vivekanandan, who discuss N) how India’s marine fisheries should 0 27.5 adapt to climate change. 27 1987 - 1996 1997 - 2005 26.5 Latitude ( 26 * Based on articles contributed by Dr Prakash Rao and 25.5 Dr E Vivekanandan. Dr Prakash Rao is 25 Senior Coordinator, Climate Change and Energy Programme, WWF-India, 24.5 New Delhi (Email: [email protected]). 24 Dr Vivekanandan is Principal Scientist Longtitude (0E) and Head, Demersal Fisheries Division, Central Marine Fisheries Research Plot of SST showing warming of sea surface along the Indian coast during Institute, Cochin, Kerala, India 1961-2005. (Source: ICOADS and AVHRR data from NOAA/NASA; the values near (Email: [email protected]). the vertical bar indicate SST (0C)

32 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 situation. Warming of water may experiments on seven species of the Malabar upwelling zone have impact fish diversity, distribution, phytoplankton showed that some not gone down. Inference: The abundance and phenology. species may multiply faster at sardines are extending northward, Acidification of water will affect higher temperature (29oC) than at not shifting northward. The Indian calciferous animals. Storms, floods lower temperature (24oC). But they mackerel is also found to be and drought will severely impair decay earlier at the higher extending northward in a similar way. fisheries. Sea level rise will lower temperature. According to CMFRI, the catch of fish production and damage the Small pelagics extend their oil sardines along the coast of Tamil livelihoods of communities. boundaries: The oil sardine Nadu has gone up dramatically, with Some tropical fish stocks may face Sardinella longiceps and the Indian a record landing of 185 877 tonnes regional extinction. Some others mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta in 2006. The presence of the species may move towards higher latitudes. accounted for 21 percent of the in new areas is a bonus for coastal Coastal habitats and resources are marine fish catch in 2006. These fishing communities. Assessing their likely to be impacted through sea small pelagics, especially the oil socio-economic needs will greatly level rise, warming sea sardine, have been known for help in developing coping strategies temperatures, extremes of nutrient restricted distribution – between for adaptation to climate impacts. enrichment (eutrophication) and latitude 8oN and 14oN and longitude WWF is currently documenting invasive species. Most fish species 75oE and 77oE (Malabar upwelling community perceptions and have a narrow range of optimum zone along the southwest coast of experiences in relation to the oil temperatures related to their basic India) where the annual average sardine fishery of the eastern coasts. metabolism and availability of food o SST ranges from 27 to 29 C. Indian mackerel is getting deeper: organisms. Even a difference of Besides exploring northern waters, 1oC in seawater may affect their Until 1985, almost the entire catch the Indian mackerel R. kanagurta distribution and life processes. was from the Malabar upwelling zone, there was little or no catch has been descending deeper as well At shorter time scales of a few from latitudes north of 14oN. During during the last two decades years, increasing temperature may the last two decades, however, (CMFRI, 2008). o o result in changes in distribution, catches from latitude 14 N - 20 N The fish normally occupies surface recruitment and abundance. Species are increasing. In 2006, catches in and subsurface waters. During with short-life span and rapid this area accounted for about 1985-89, only 2 percent of the turnover such as plankton and small 15 percent of the all-India oil mackerel catch was from bottom pelagic fishes are most likely to sardine catch. trawlers, the remainder was caught experience such changes. The higher the SST, the better the by pelagic gear such as drift gillnet. At intermediate time scales of a few oil sardine catch (Vivekanandan During 2003-2007, however, an years to a decade, changes in et al., 2009a). The surface waters of estimated 15 percent of the distribution, recruitment and the Indian seas are warming by mackerel has been caught by bottom abundance of many species may be 0.04oC per decade. Since the waters trawlers along the Indian coast. acute. Changes in abundance will in latitudes north of 14oN are It appears that with the warming of alter the species composition. warming, the oil sardine and Indian sub-surface waters, the mackerel has At longer time scales of multi- mackerel are moving to northern been extending deeper and decades, changes in net primary latitudes. It is seen that catches from downward as well. production and transfer to higher trophic levels are possible. Investigations carried out by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research show that different Indian marine species will respond to climate change as follows: (i) Changes in species composition of phytoplankton may occur at higher temperature; (ii) Small pelagics may extend their boundaries; (iii) Some species may be found in deeper waters as well; and (iv) Phenological changes may occur. Changes in species composition of phytoplankton: Laboratory

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 33 Spawning: threadfin breams like Currently, it is difficult to find out it cool: Fish have strong how much of catch fluctuation is temperature preferences so far as due to changes in fish distribution. spawning goes. The timing of A time-series analysis on stock spawning, an annually occurring biomass of different species along event, is an important indicator of the Indian coasts does not exist. climate change. Shifts in the Moreover, catches are influenced by spawning season of fish are now economic factors such as the evident in the Indian seas. relative price paid for different types of fish, and changes in fishing The threadfin breams Nemipterus methods or fishing effort. For japonicus and N. mesoprion are (Perry et al., 2005). If small-sized, instance, introduction of distributed along the entire Indian low value fish species with rapid mechanized craft in the 1960s, coast at depths ranging from 10 to turnover of generations are able to motorized craft in the 1980s, and 100 m. They are short-lived cope up with changing climate, they large trawlers for multiday fishing (longevity: about 3 years), fast may replace large-sized high value in the 1990s substantially increased growing, highly fecund and species, which are already declining the fish catch along the Indian coast. medium-sized fishes (maximum due to fishing and other non- These non-climatic factors often length: 35 cm). Data on the number climatic factors (Vivekanandan et obscure climate related trends in of female spawners collected every al., 2005). fish abundance. Perhaps a month off Chennai from 1981 to Such distributional changes might de-trending analysis for removing 2004 indicated wide monthly lead to novel mixes of organisms in the impact of non-climatic factors fluctuations. a region, leaving species to adjust to may help arrive at conclusions on However, a shift in the spawning new prey, predators, parasites, the impact of climate change on season from warmer to relatively diseases and competitors (Kennedy marine fisheries. cooler months (from April- et al., 2002), and result in The effects of changed fish September to October-March) was considerable changes in ecosystem migration and distribution caused by discernible (Vivekanandan and structure and function. climate change are most difficult to Rajagopalan, 2009). Whereas False Trevally populations decline deal with for highly migratory 35.3 percent of the spawners of in the Gulf of Mannar: As part of a species, such as tuna. It is not clear N. japonicus occurred in warm WWF India-commissioned project, whether the spurt in yellowfin tuna months during 1981-1985, only 5.0 the Suganthi Devadason Marine fishery in the Bay of Bengal and percent of the spawners occurred in Research Institute (SDMRI), eastern Arabian Sea in the last five Tuticorin, undertook a study in 2004 the same season during 2000-2004. years is due to climate driven in the Gulf of Mannar region to What about the cool months? changes in the migration route of analyze the effect of climate change During 1981-1985, 64.7 percent of the fish. on the fishery of False Trevally the spawners occurred during (Lactarius lactarius) and the Coral reefs may become remnants: October-March, whereas as high as reduction in the income of small - Coral reefs are the most diverse 95.0 percent of the spawners scale fishermen. The project helped marine habitat, which support an occurred during the same season in identify the migratory patterns of estimated one million species 2000-2004. the fish species. globally. They are highly sensitive A similar trend was observed in to climatic influences and are False Trevally is an economically N. mesoprion too. The occurrence of among the most sensitive of all and culturally important fish in spawners of the two species ecosystems to temperature changes, India and found near the decreased with increasing exhibiting the phenomenon known Rameshwaram coast of south east temperature during April- as coral bleaching when stressed by India. The species is generally seen September, but increased with higher than normal sea temperatures. at depths ranging from 15 to 90 increasing temperature during Corals usually recover from metres. But over the past few years, October-March over the time-scale. bleaching, but die in extreme cases. there has been a steady decline in It appears that SST between 28 and In the Indian seas, coral reefs are o the catch of this fish – both because 29 C may be the optimum. When found in the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf o of human disturbance and changes the SST exceeds 29 C, the fish shifts in ocean temperatures. Destructive of Kachchh, Palk Bay, Andaman the spawning activity to seasons fishing practices have also led to Sea and Lakshadweep Sea. Indian when the temperature is around the decline of the species. Result: the coral reefs have experienced preferred optima. species has moved to other regions 29 widespread bleaching events These changes may have an impact along the coast including the east since 1989 and intense bleaching on the nature and value of fisheries coast of Sri Lanka. occurred in 1998 and 2002 when the

34 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 SST was higher than the usual • Intrusion of saline water into known as ‘Climate Witness’. It was summer maxima. groundwater in coastal aquifer; launched because of the strong and By using the relationship between indicators of climate change from past temperatures and bleaching • Decline in precipitation, droughts various scientific studies. WWF- events and the predicted SST for in most delta regions of India and India hopes that this initiative will another 100 years, Vivekanandan et drying of wetlands. make the authorities integrate climate change concerns into al. (2009b) projected the Worldwide, WWF studies have vulnerability of corals in the Indian development planning through a brought out some important bottom-up approach. Seas. They believe that the coral underlying impacts of climate cover of reefs may soon start change on marine ecosystems – Characteristics of the initiative: declining. The number of decadal such as a rise in SST, decreasing • Stakeholders at different levels low bleaching events will remain marine pH, shifting ocean currents, will help develop a model between 0 and 3 during 2000-2089, release of methane hydrates and intervention; but the number of decadal rising sea level. catastrophic events will increase • A homogeneous geographical from 0 during 2000-2009 to India is vulnerable to major climate area will be identified to validate 8 during 2080-2089. changes because of a long coastline the model; and on the east and west and the • Local concerns on climate Given the implication that reefs will Himalayan mountain range in the change will be integrated into not be able to sustain catastrophic north. WWF- India has been development planning. events more than three times a working in some of India’s most Islands selected for the ‘Climate decade, reef building corals are critical ecosystems and landscape. Witness’ initiative studies are mostly likely to disappear as dominant Its studies seek to probe climate in the southwestern corner of organisms on coral reefs between impacts in the Sundarbans, the Sundarbans (except Chhoto 2020 and 2040. Reefs are likely to coastal regions of and in Mollakhali and Bali islands situated become remnant between 2030 and the Himalayas, and focus mainly on in the northeastern part of the delta). 2040 in the Lakshadweep sea and impacts and adaptation; mitigation; between 2050 and 2060 in other and policy interventions. Local communities in these sites regions in the Indian seas. were more concerned by weather Sundarbans: The Sundarbans is These projections take into part of the world’s largest delta phenomena (such as monsoon consideration only the warming of (80 000 sq. km) formed from delays in recent years), than by seawater. Other factors such as sediments deposited by three great rising temperatures. Local increasing acidity of seawater are rivers, the Ganges, Brahmaputra and residents reported very high not considered. If acidification Meghna. It consists of 102 low- frequency of thunder and lightning continues in future as it does now, lying islands in the Bay of Bengal during storms in last 10-15 years. all coral reefs would be dead within and forms one of the world’s richest In their opinion depression and 50 years. Given their central mangrove ecosystems (34 mangrove cyclonic storms occurred more importance in the marine ecosystem, species). Faunal diversity is frequently than earlier. Delayed the loss of coral reefs is likely to significant too, with a strong tiger monsoons and untimely rain have several ramifications. population. The combination of impaired agricultural productivity Impacts of climate change on terrestrial, freshwater and marine leading to loss of crops and coastal systems flora and fauna makes this one of increased pest attacks. (with over 8 000 km the most diverse and productive Community interactions and of coastline) is a productive and ecosystems in the country. adaptation responses ecologically diverse landscape. The Sundarbans is now under severe The WWF- India has been studying Climate change may aggravate the stress due to sea level rise and the coping capacities of impact of injurious large-scale associated problems. A population communities – particularly in those development and reduce the of four million in the Indian islands where landmass has been productivity of marine ecosystems. Sundarbans is severely stressed. lost over the past few decades. The Fourth Assessment Report of Mangroves are under threat, so are Community knowledge is being the IPCC (2007b) has suggested that endangered species like tigers and classified on environmental impacts climate change is likely to turtles. An effective coping like soil erosion, loss of landmass, significantly impact coastal India. mechanism to reduce the damage of coastal embankments, Some possible impacts: vulnerability of the region is essential. siltation, unsustainable livelihood • More hot days. More heat waves. WWF- India is documenting local practices, population pressure, More death from heat strokes in community knowledge and climate storms and cyclones, effect of tidal recent years; perceptions through an initiative waves, etc.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 35 Farmers and fishermen (both depend marine ecosystems to climate on the ecosystem) form a major part impacts, and (iii) reduces of the work force of these islands. greenhouse gas emission by fishing Since industry isn’t developed, boats (Brander, 2008). livelihood options are limited. Some of the most effective actions Nearly 61.85 percent of the which we can take to tackle climate respondents surveyed were farmers impacts are to deal with the old or fishermen. Nearly 10 percent familiar problems such as were full-time fishers. A majority of overfishing (Brander, 2008), and the inhabitants were vulnerable to adapt the CCRF and Integrated climate-related adversities. Ecosystem-based Fisheries In response to climate change, Management (FAO, 2007). village communities have been How can fisheries adapt? Increase awareness on the impacts taking short-term actions such as: Options for adaptation are limited, of climate change: Being a • Shifting the farming time because but do exist. The impact of climate signatory to the United Nations of shifting of monsoon season; change depends on the magnitude of Framework Convention on Climate change, and on the sensitivity of • Diversifying into different Change (UNFCCC), India has particular species or ecosystems weather-resistant crops; submitted the first National (Brander, 2008). Communication to the UNFCCC • Constructing and renovating Develop knowledge base for in 2004. The second National ponds and canals for rain water climate change and marine Communication is under preparation harvesting and use in winter fisheries: Considerable effort for submission in 2011. cultivation; should be made to collect historical National climate change response • Constructing mud-barrages climatic and oceanographic data – strategies are under preparation. around the islands to protect them in addition to monitoring these key A specific policy document on the from saline water intrusion; and parameters. Long-term implications of climate change for environmental and ecological • Reforesting of mangroves on the fisheries needs to be developed for monitoring programmes are mud barrage. India. This document should take important as such data cannot be into account all relevant social, WWF- India says that in collected retrospectively. In India, economic and environmental communities dependent on spatial marine fish catch and effort policies and actions including ecosystems, different stakeholders data are available for the last four education, training and public must come together to address decades. However, a synergy awareness related to climate change. climate change and environment between the climatic and Effort is also required to raise security. They could develop site- oceanographic data and fisheries awareness of the impact, specific measures at the local level, data is needed. Projections on vulnerability, adaptation and evolve a consensus for national climate change impact on fish mitigation related to climate change strategies, and support populations have not been among all stakeholders. inter-governmental processes. performed so far. Such projections need to be developed as the first The stakeholders would include the Strategies for evolving adaptive step for future analytical and very poor; farmers and fishers; mechanisms: In the context of empirical models, and for planning local, state and national bodies; climate change, the primary better management adaptations. urban consumers; business and challenge to the fisheries and industry; groups concerned with Adapt the Code of Conduct for aquaculture sectors will be to ensure coastal zone regulation; scientists Responsible Fisheries (CCRF): food supply, enhance nutritional and academics. Fish populations are facing the security, improve livelihoods and familiar problems of overfishing, economic output and ensure When stakeholders at different pollution and habitat degradation. ecosystem safety. These objectives levels are brought together on a Reducing fishing mortality in the call for identifying and addressing common platform, climate change majority of fisheries, which are the concerns arising out of climate concerns can be better integrated currently fully exploited or change and evolving adaptive into development planning. overexploited, is the principal mechanisms and implementing Resource centers and local means of reducing the impacts of action across all stakeholders at knowledge networks can raise climate change (Brander, 2007). national, regional and international awareness and strengthen action. Reduction of fishing effort (i) levels (Allision et al., 2004; Some other institutional processes maximizes sustainable yields, (ii) Handisyde et al., 2005; WorldFish can also be established. helps adaptation of fish stocks and Center, 2007; FAO, 2008).

36 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Strategies to promote sustainability Emery, K O and Aubrey, D G (1989): Opportunities, Book of Abstracts and improve supplies should be in Tide gauges of India. J. Coast. Res., 5, (Ed. E Vivekanandan et al.), Marine place before the threat of climate 489-500. Biological Association of India, change assumes greater proportion. FAO (2007): Building adaptive capacity February 9-12, Cochin, pp. 248-249. While the fisheries sector may strive to climate change. Policies to sustain Rosamma Stephen (2008): Zooplankton to mitigate climate change by livelihoods and fisheries. Food and reflecting global warming. In: Impact of Agriculture Organization, Policy Brief, Climate Change on Indian Marine reducing CO2 emissions, especially by fishing boats, it could reduce 8: pp. 16. Fisheries. Proceedings of Winter School, impact by following effective FAO (2008): Summary proceedings of Central Marine Fisheries Research adaptation measures. There should Workshop on Climate Change and Institute, Cochin, India, pp. 207-210. be fiscal incentives for reducing the Fisheries and Aquaculture: Options for Thrane, M (2006): LCA of Danish fish sector’s carbon footprint, and for decision makers. Food and Agriculture products-new methods and insights. Int. Organization, Rome, pp. 6. following other mitigation and J. Life Cycle Assessment, 11, 66-74. adaptation options. Handisyde, N T, Ross, L G, Badjeck, M Vidal, E A G, DiMarco, F P, Wormoth, C, Allison, E H (2005): The effects of J H and Lee P G (2002): Apex marine Further Reading climate change on world aquaculture: a predator declines ninety percent in Allison, E H, Adger, W N, Badjeck, M global perspective. Department for association with changing oceanic C, Brown, K, Conway, D, Dulvy, V K, International Development, UK, pp. 151. climate. Global Change Biology, 3, 23-28. Halls, A, Perry, A and Reynolds, J D IPCC (2007): Impacts, adaptation and Vivekanandan, E, and Rajagopalan, M (2004): Effects of climate change on the vulnerability summary for policy (2009): Impact of rise in seawater sustainability of capture and makers. Working Group II, Fourth temperature on the spawning of enhancement fisheries important to the Assessment Report, Inter-governmental threadfin breams. In: Aggarwal P K poor: analysis of the vulnerability and Panel on Climate Change, pp. 16. adaptability of fisherfolk living in (Ed.) Impact, Adaptation and poverty. Fisheries Management Science Jackson, G D and Moltschaniwskyj, N Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Programme, DFID, UK, Project A (2001): The influence of ration level Climate Change, Indian Council of Summer Report, pp. 21. on growth and statolith increment width Agricultural Research, New Delhi (in press). Brander, K M (2007): Global production of the tropical squid Sepioteuthis and climate change. Proc. Nat. Acad. lessoniana (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae): Vivekanandan, E, Rajagopalan, M, Sci., 104: 19709-19714. an experimental approach. Marine Pillai, N G K (2009a): Recent trends in Biology, 138, 819-825. Brander, K M (2008): Tackling the old sea surface temperature and its impact familiar problems of pollution, habitat Jasper, B, Joe K Kizhakudan, on oil sardine. In: Aggarwal P K (Ed) alteration and overfishing will help with Vivekanandan, E, Mohamad Kasim, H Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability of adapting to climate change. Marine (2009): Effect of temperature and Indian Agriculture to Climate Change, Pollution Bulletin, 56, 1957-1958. nutrients on growth of marine algae. In: Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi (in press). Clark, B M (2006): Climate change: a Marine Ecosystems Challenges and looming challenge for fisheries Opportunities, Book of Abstracts Vivekanandan, E, Hussain Ali, M, management in southern Africa. Marine (Ed. E Vivekanandan et al.), Marine Rajagopalan, M (2009b): Vulnerability Policy, 30, 84-95. Biological Association of India, of corals to seawater warming. In: February 9-12, Cochin, pp. 264-265. CMFRI (2006): Marine Fisheries Aggarwal, P K (ed) Impact, Adaptation Census 2005. Central Marine Fisheries Kennedy, V S, Twilley, R R, Kleypas, J and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Cochin, India, pp. 104. A, Cowan Jr., J H, Hare, S R (2002): to Climate Change, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi CMFRI (2007): Annual Report 2006-07. Coastal and marine ecosystems & global (in press). Central Marine Fisheries Research climate change. Potential effects on U S Institute, Cochin, India, pp. 126. resources. Pew Center on Global Vivekanandan, E, Ratheesan, K, Climate Change, Arlington, USA, pp. 52. Manjusha, U, Remya, R and Ambrose, T CMFRI (2008): Research Highlights 2007-2008. Central Marine Fisheries Nicholls, R J, Hoozemans, F M J and V (2009c): Temporal changes in the Research Institute, Cochin, India, pp. 36. Marchand, M (1999): Increasing flood climatic and oceanographic variables off risk and wetland losses due to global Kerala. In: Marine Ecosystems Das, P K and Radhakrishna, M (1993): Challenges and Opportunities, Book of Trends and the pole tide in Indian tide sea level rise: regional and global Abstracts (Ed. E Vivekanandan et al.), gauge records. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci, analyses. Global Environmental Marine Biological Association of India, 102: 175-183. Change, 9: S69-S87. February 9-12, Cochin, pp. 260-261. Devaraj, M and Vivekanandan, E (1999): Perry, A L, Low, P J, Ellis, J R, Vivekanandan, E, Srinath, M and Somy Marine capture fisheries of India: Reynolds, J D (2005): Climate change challenges and opportunities. Curr. Sci., and distribution shifts in marine fishes. Kuriakose (2005): Fishing the food web 76, 314-332. Science 308, 1912 – 1915. along the Indian coast. Fisheries Research, 72, 241- 252. Dinesh Kumar, P K (2000): Studies on Prasanna Kumar, S, Raj P Roshin, Jaya the impact of selected sea level rise Narvekar, Dinesh Kumar, P K and WorldFish Center (2007): Fisheries and scenarios on the coast and coastal Vivekanandan, E (2009): Is Arabian Sea aquaculture can provide solutions to structures around Cochin. Ph.D. Thesis, responding to global warming and cope with climate change. WorldFish Mangalore University, Mangalore, undergoing a climate shift? In: Marine Center Issues Brief, Penang, 1701: pp. 4. India, pp. 125. Ecosystems Challenges and

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 37 Regional Workshop on MCS

Regional Workshop on Monitoring Control and Surveillance Adopts the Chittagong Resolution

he first regional workshop on Monitoring, Control and TSurveillance (MCS) for marine fisheries in the Bay of Bengal was held in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on 16-18 January 2008. Fisheries officials and representatives from the coast guard and the navy of member-countries (Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka) took part, besides consultants, representatives of the FAO and the BOBP-IGO. The inaugural session was chaired by Mr Parikshit Datta Choudhury, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL), The Regional Workshop on MCS in progress. Bangladesh. Welcoming participants, Mr Datta Choudhury emphasized on the danger to marine resources posed by increasing fishing effort. He hoped the workshop would pave the way for effective policy formulation on MCS in member-countries. The workshop was divided into technical presentations and discussions; a field trip; and group discussions to analyze issues and recommend action. Summary of the technical session Dr Yugraj Singh Yadava, director of BOBP-IGO, initiated the technical session with an overview of MCS species, 11 species are fully Dr Yadava suggested that member- measures in member-countries. He exploited and four are fully or over- countries seek cooperation from said the rapid increase in the fisher exploited. advanced countries on MCS – in population in an open-access regime data and technology, for example – has led to low catches and fishing He said that MCS ought to go as proposed by the Code of Conduct rights conflicts. Member-countries beyond its traditional definition of for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF). are not ready yet for a paradigm policing. It should be seen as a path shift in policy emphasis from to sustainable fisheries. An array of Mr Arne Andreasson, an production to management. The tools was available for MCS – independent consultant, made a legal framework is insufficient, legislation, data collection, presentation on “Application of policies for fisheries management improved communication and MCS in small-scale fisheries”. He are inadequate and compliance overall support from political, social said that MCS systems have mainly levels are low. Citing FAO data, he and business interests. He highlighted been designed for the industrial said that in the Bay of Bengal the importance of a vessel fisheries of developed countries. region, of 46 commonly exploited monitoring system (VMS) for MCS. Special MCS systems are needed for

38 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 small-scale fisheries – which are The Bangladesh Coast Guard and scattered, with many small units the Navy, responsible for operating close to the shore, enforcement as well as search and employing a wide range of gear, and rescue operations, are constrained landing fish at numerous small and by manpower shortage and lack of remote landing centres. air support. Illegal fishing is These special systems would widespread, foreign vessels engage include monitoring through random in poaching. sampling and the use of modern Mr Chowdhury suggested that communications technology by the Bangladesh learn from the enforcing authority. Limits on effort experience of countries like through access regulations Malaysia in designing a cost- (licensing of fishing vessels, for effective MCS regime. The example), closed seasons, closed country’s surveillance system areas and gear restrictions, are needed to be upgraded. VMS, over- enforceable measures. the- horizon radar and a strong He said that all MCS systems are Coast Guard were essential, as also . costly – but not in relation to the well-coordinated research to cost of not managing the resource at advance the MCS regime. all. Efforts to decentralize Discussing the status of MCS in management decisions and move India, Dr V S Somvanshi, Director towards co-management and General, Fishery Survey of India, community management would lead said that India is endowed with to cost-effective MCS systems, with 8 118 km of coastline, 0.53 million elements of self-control. sq. km of continental shelf and Discussing MCS in Bangladesh, 2.02 million sq. km of EEZ. Commander A R Chowdhury from Fisheries contributes 1.07 percent to the Bangladesh Coast Guard said the total GDP. India’s fish that small-scale fisheries accounts biodiversity represents nearly for about 93 percent of the 10 percent of the world’s fish Bangladesh fish production of biodiversity. Fisheries in India is 2.1 million tonnes. complex because of its multi- The marine fishing fleet (industrial species, multi-gear, multi-craft and trawlers, gill netters, set bag netters, multi-stakeholder character. long lines and trammel nets) The Ministry of Agriculture (2001) increased from 17 385 to 44 082 has estimated the potential yield between 1997 and 2006. from marine sources as 3.92 million He said Bangladesh had already tonnes. The present exploitation implemented various control level is about 76 percent of the measures, such as limits to fishing potential. The country has some days, control of mesh sizes, 3.57 million marine fishers and a restricting to within the fishing fleet of 0.3 million. An 40 m depth zone, guidelines for fish open-access system leads to capture, declaration of a sanctuary uncontrolled exploitation. Illegal, for hilsa. The government is Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) registering boats and encouraging fishing further aggravates the alternative livelihoods for fishers. problem. Despite these measures, MCS on Registration of fishing vessels in small-scale fisheries is very India follows stipulations under inadequate, Mr Chowdhury said. different Acts for vessels < 20m and Only 15 to 20 percent of the country’s fishing vessels are Speakers at the Regional Workshop registered. Registration and (from top to bottom): Mr Arne licensing are multi-window Andreasson, Mr Nimalsiri processes that discourage fishers. Abeywickrama, Cdr A R Chowdhury, The licensing fee is perceived as Dr V S Somvanshi, Capt. Ahmed high, it has to be renewed annually. Jihad and Mr Mohamed Shameem.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 39 vessels > 20m. But there is no Maldives has implemented a Vessel The paper said that coastal fisheries uniformity either within a state or Tracking System (VTS) for all in Sri Lanka have either reached the between states. A standard system vessels licensed to operate in the maximum sustainable yield or are throughout the country would be a outer EEZ. Established in 1995, the close to it. A management priority. Regional co-operation VTS is monitored by the Maldivian programme has been launched for would help curb IUU fishing. Coast Guard. This is done by coastal fisheries. Seven hundred installing vessel-tracking areas have been set apart for The paper proposed standardization transponder equipment on board the management through community of craft and gear; zonation of sea vessel. Frequent power failure and participation. Alternative income fishing areas; a colour code for absence of written rules in operating opportunities for fishers are to be fishing boats; a uniform system of transponders impair the efficacy of created to reduce fishing pressure. registration; installation of VMS; the system. strengthening of the fisheries Strengthening of MCS and database; information networking Maldives plans motivating fishers to introducing a vessel monitoring for fisheries; awareness-raising regulate themselves. MoFAMR will system will be other priority areas. among fishermen on resource provide fishing forecast information Assistance and co-operation will be management. free of charge exclusively to necessary from regional and global management organizations. Mr Mohamed Shameem, Ministry registered fishing vessels. Fishers will then be encouraged to install of Fisheries, Agriculture & Marine Summary of group discussions VMS systems: better catches for Resources (MoFAMR), Maldives, Three groups were constituted to and Capt. Ahmed Jihad of the them, systematic vessel information discuss different aspects of MCS — Maldives Coast Guard, discussed and catch reports for MoFAMR. physical environment requirements the status of MCS in their country. This will encourage boat (Group I); governance and policy They said the island nation of registration and enhance sea safety as well. environment requirements (Group Maldives has more water than land, II) and the role of CBOs/ NGOs in and marine fisheries is the strongest Mr Nimalsiri Abeywickrama, setting up MCS regime (Group III). traditional sector. The country has a Director (Planning), Ministry of total population of just over 300 000 Fisheries & Aquatic Resources According to Group I, scattered over 200-odd small coral (MoFAR), Sri Lanka, presented a comprehensive stock assessment is islands. paper on the status of MCS in his necessary to determine the fleet’s The major fisheries are pole and line country. He said Sri Lanka’s marine optimum size for sustainable fishing for skipjack tuna; hand fishing fleet of some 43 000 exploitation. The right fleet size and lining and long lining for yellowfin includes more than 39 000 in coastal gear can be then worked out, and and bigeye tuna; reef fisheries fisheries. Some 600 000 people category-wise operational area of targeting different species; and depend on the coastal fishery. fleets defined. This will also help a small yet profitable aquarium Small-scale crafts, about 90 percent reduce inter-category conflict. fishery targeted at export markets. of the fishing fleet, contribute about Registration of vessels should be two-thirds of the domestic fish mandatory. Awareness should be The major governing regulation is production. built to foster a culture of the Fisheries Act of 1987. It is registration. presently being revised to take into The December 2004 tsunami account changes in management triggered uncoordinated and The group said that VMS should be needs and international obligations. un-monitored restoration effort and mandatory for large vessels. For MoFAMR is the lead agency tasked a big rise in the number of fishing small vessels, measures like colour- with fisheries management and boats; consequently, lower catch per coding and display of flags and development in the country. It is unit effort and income from coastal registration numbers, could be supported in the execution of its fisheries. Harmful, IUU fishing has considered as part of the VMS. also gone up. mandate by the Fisheries Advisory Encouraging community Board (FAB). The Department of Fisheries and participation in MCS and SAR Compliance is a major problem, the Aquatic Resources (DFAR) is the operations is urgently necessary, the two authors said. Some reasons for agency that enforces various Acts. group said. NGOs can be effective non-compliance: lack of awareness, Other key agencies for fisheries in this context. For harbour-based inconsistencies in regulations issued management in Sri Lanka are the vessels, governments can introduce by different ministries, inadequate MoFAR, the National Aquatic a smart card and a harbour pass. enforcement capacities, the socio- Resources Research & Development Two-way communication (VHF and cultural environment of small island Agency and the National cell phone) could be promoted to communities that rely on Aquaculture Development enable both MCS and distress community cohesion and solidarity. Authority. communication. Local communities

40 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 equipped with internet access could collecting, collating and Steady budget support is essential be tapped to provide needed disseminating national statistics are for MCS, the group said. It can be information. inadequate. All stakeholders should used commercially, as in the take part in making data collection Maldives, to make it popular. Given Group II said that existing MCS effective. The group lauded the the shared stock of member- legislation in member-countries MCS regime in Maldives and urged countries, regional cooperation is should be revised. An information stakeholder consultations for must for a successful MCS. There is base is lacking, and mechanisms for developing any MCS regime. also scope for sharing information to curb IUU fishing. Group III suggested that community-based organisations (CBOs) could help enforce MCS. In fact, fishers should be able to help enforce MCS through CBOs, with NGOs serving as facilitators. The government should incorporate fisher concerns into the management regime. The group found that co-management will not work without legal empowerment of CBOs. On the other hand, there is a risk of power misuse by CBOs. The practical solution at present is for CBOs to work with the government. The group recommended a micro-level exercise by government to determine the norms for scientific and environment-friendly MCS, depending on the type of craft, fish species, time of the year and gear type. This should be carried out and published. Accordingly, an area- specific management plan could be set out. The group concluded that a CBO network could help ensure a sound MCS in fisheries, if properly conceived and designed, with an accompanying legal, management and financial framework. On the final day of the regional workshop, participants passed the Chittagong Resolution on the basis of the group recommendations. The text of the resolution is given on page 42.

Participants engaged in Group Discussions.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 41 The Chittagong Resolution Conscious that the marine fisheries Recognizing that the 1995 Code of Recommend that mandatory sector is highly important for the Conduct for Responsible Fisheries requirements for improving economies of member-countries of (CCRF) of the FAO does not implementation of MCS be the Bay of Bengal Programme adequately address the need and supplemented by other strategies Inter-Governmental Organisation requirements of MCS in small-scale which involve the participation of (BOBP-IGO); marine fisheries; fisher communities, families, the Recognizing that the marine Emphasizing the urgent need to media and other stakeholders in fisheries sector is a major address the multi-dimensional issue order to promote the adoption of a contributor to the livelihoods, food of MCS for small-scale fishermen wide range of MCS measures; and nutritional security and foreign in a holistic manner; and Recommend that member- exchange earnings of member- Recognizing that the problem is not countries, while implementing countries; insurmountable; MCS, also undertake measures to Realizing enhance the economic viability of that a high percentage of We, the representatives of Fisheries the world’s artisanal fisheries and and Maritime Administrations, small-scale fishing enterprises, as an essential element of the marine small-scale fisheries are Coast Guard and Fishermen’s concentrated in South Asia, where Associations, nominated by the fisheries sector; many of the coastal stocks are Governments of Bangladesh, India, Recommend that member-countries almost fully exploited; the Maldives and Sri Lanka, having make full use of the available Recognizing that the marine participated in the BOBP -IGO technologies, including Vessel fisheries sector largely operates in Regional Workshop on MCS for Monitoring System wherever an open-access regime, and that the Small-scale Fisheries held in feasible, in support of MCS; present condition of fisheries is Chittagong, People’s Republic of Recommend that member-countries largely attributable to weaknesses Bangladesh, from 16 -18 January employ innovative measures such in the institutional and regulatory 2008, now therefore: as co-management. This will be an environment, a declining resource Resolve to address, as a matter of effective cost-sharing measure for base and poor socio-economic urgency, the issue of MCS for MCS and enhance the participation conditions; small-scale fisheries; of fishers and other stakeholders in Realizing that monitoring, control Recommend that MCS the management of marine fisheries and surveillance (MCS) regimes are requirements be comprehensively resources; weak in the marine fisheries sector integrated into every member- Recommend that member-countries of member-countries; country’s fisheries policy and undertake measures to formulate Concerned about the social and regulatory and managerial time-bound action plans for political constraints to regulating frameworks. This would include successful implementation of MCS access to marine fisheries and to associated commitments under the and for strengthening the national optimizing the fishing fleet; CCRF and other regional, inter- agencies responsible for MCS; regional or global instruments and Concerned that the current fisheries Recommend that member-countries initiatives; management regime for coastal undertake measures directed fisheries in the region may lead to Emphasize the need to rationalize towards regional cooperation in further unsustainable levels of institutional mandates and inter- ensuring successful implementation exploitation of fisheries resources, sectoral cooperation at the national of MCS; and and thereby impact the livelihoods level, in order to enhance Strongly recommend of small-scale fishermen; implementation of MCS in small- the formation and implementation of a regional Concerned scale fisheries; that the supporting MCS programme, employing a regulations and policy framework Recommend that fisheries and consultative and participatory relevant to the needs of MCS for maritime administrations enhance approach, building upon small-scale fisheries, remain their knowledge and database on institutionally derived data and the inadequately addressed by fisheries the health of the fish stocks and on operational experiences of small- and maritime administrations in the commensurate efforts required to scale fishermen. sector; harvest resources in a sustainable Recognizing the limitations in manner; institutional capacity of fisheries Recommend the development and and maritime administrations in the implementation of education, region to undertake all training and awareness programmes responsibilities associated with the which satisfy and promote MCS Adopted on Friday, 18th January mandate; requirements; 2008 in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

42 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Regional Training Course – CCRF Participants Laud Regional Training Course on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

he rapid depletion of fish stocks is a major challenge Tfor fisheries managers worldwide. Confronting this challenge, the FAO spearheaded a global agreement on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF), which was adopted by member-nations in October 1995. The Code was hailed as a landmark global initiative in fisheries. But even 13 years after its adoption, the Code has not been properly understood by many stakeholders, especially in developing countries. One reason is the complex phrasing and legalistic language of the Code. To create awareness among junior The Participants at the Regional Training Course on CCRF. and middle-level fisheries officers of member-countries of the BOBP- Dr Yadava described the Code as a administrators on how fishers can be IGO (Bangladesh, India, Maldives comprehensive document meant to made a part of the process of and Sri Lanka), a two-week address fisheries issues in a practical fisheries governance. Citing Regional Training Course on CCRF manner. The BOBP-IGO had earlier examples from the field, he said the was organised by the BOBP-IGO organised national workshops on the Code’s principles are hardly from 16 to 27 June 2008 in Chennai CCRF for senior policy makers of implemented. Whenever a fisher is and Mumbai, India. member-countries. The present asked to curb effort, he agrees, but In Mumbai, the Central Institute of training course would help build a looks over the shoulder at his Fisheries Education (CIFE), a cadre of middle-level officers neighbour who isn’t doing so! conversant with the Code and its deemed university, helped conduct Just as panchayats are now being Technical Guidelines. He hoped the the training. Four participants from empowered politically, village-level course would bridge the prevailing each country took part. bodies should be empowered to knowledge gap on the Code in enforce CCRF, Dr Kasim said. The course was inaugurated in member-countries. Chennai on 16 June 2008. Dr Dilip Fishers will then have a greater Kumar, Director and Vice- Dr V Sampath said that though the voice in decision-making. Dr Kasim Chancellor, CIFE; Dr V Sampath, Code is a voluntary document, it has hoped that in future, such courses Ex-Advisor, Ministry of Earth many references to international would include more participants Sciences; and Dr H Kasim, laws and conventions and is from member-countries and from Principal Scientist and In-charge, therefore binding on countries. other neighboring countries as well. The Code would facilitate Central Marine Fisheries Research Dr Dilip Kumar, chief guest of the interaction among participants who Institute (Chennai base) took part as inaugural session, said that the could learn from one another. guest speakers. course could help take the Code to He congratulated the BOBP-IGO Welcoming participants, Dr Y S the grassroots through middle-level for organizing the course. Yadava, Director, BOBP-IGO, said and junior fisheries officials of the course was in pursuance of the Dr Kasim said the Code provides member-countries. He said the Code IGO mandate of capacity-building clear guidelines for fishers on what is comprehensive, and every country in member-countries. is expected from them, and for can adapt the Code to its own needs.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 43 The CIFE was happy to partner the second part – on IUU fishing – is a composition, etc. They then met BOBP-IGO in conducting the practical and action-oriented 21 traditional fishermen from five course. He hoped the partnership ‘toolbox’ of measures which states neighboring villages at the village and the experience would lead to can use to act either directly or community hall. even better courses in future. through regional fisheries Course participants asked fishers organizations. The pedagogical session of the whether they knew about the Code course began with a lecture by Mr Rajdeep Mukherjee (BOBP- and its provisions on fishing Dr Yadava on the BOBP-IGO, its IGO) discussed the Code’s operations, safety at sea, the role of mandate, role, objectives and Technical Guidelines. He said women in fisheries. How could the programmes. He discussed the 10 guidelines and supplements had Code be implemented better? transformation of the BOBP to an been published so far by the FAO. Fisher representatives said some of Inter-Governmental Organisation They are meant to help formulation them had read the Tamil translation and its role in promoting sustainable of an action plan to implement the of the Code and talked about it with fisheries in member-countries. Code. Mr Mukherjee said that in others. Most of them accepted the fisheries management, Dr Sampath then provided a differentiating the actual cause of Code’s principles and complied with ‘historical overview’ of various the problem from the apparent rules and regulations on matters like fisheries management approaches in causes is a key. registration and licensing of boats. the Bay of Bengal region. He However, they were concerned discussed the evolution of fisheries Mr Rathin Roy (former BOBP staff) about decline in resources, increase management in the Bay and the spoke on “Coming together to in the number of boats and use of transformation of focus from manage fisheries”. He explained the small mesh sizes by other groups of economic growth to sustainability. importance of co-operative action fishers. Other points: Trawling is by all stakeholders in implementing hurting their livelihoods. Vessel- Day 2 began with a lecture by the Code, and urged that action shore communication facilities, Dr Yadava on the CCRF, its nature should focus not merely on fisheries essential for safety at sea, are poor. and scope. Describing the Code and management but also on fisheries Women are active in its 12 Articles, Dr Yadava said the governance. and dry fish making. Code takes into account all aspects of fisheries. He cited examples of Ms Chandrika Sharma (International Responding to queries from course various activities in member- Collective in Support of trainees, the fishers said that village countries that in effect exemplify Fishworkers) discussed the ‘gender panchayats help mitigate conflicts the Code. But it should be adapted perspective’ in taking the Code to among mechanized and non- better to the requirements of the grassroots. She said that the mechanized fishers. But the fishers member-countries and involve all earnings of fisherwomen go directly expect the government to implement stakeholders. into family well-being, into food regulations better and to improve and education. Hence the inclusion infrastructure such as fish landing Dr Sampath discussed the of women in fisheries objectives is a centres. Fishers on their part have “International Plan of Action must. She highlighted the poor constructed artificial reefs to (IPOA) for reducing incidental catch working conditions at landing of seabirds in longline fisheries and improve fish habitats; they expect centres – particularly their sanitation the government to supplement their conservation of shark”. He said that and the facilities for crèches – and on the basis of IPOA, states were efforts. Course trainees thanked the called for a determined effort to fishers for their time and insights. required to start implementing improve them. ‘national plans’ no later than 2001. On the fourth day, trainees visited He urged BOBP-IGO member- Field visits the fishing harbour at Puducherry, countries to start preparing national Field trips were organized on Day where the Deputy Director of plans at the earliest. 3 of the course, beginning with a Fisheries explained basic facilities stakeholder meeting in Chinna Dr Yadava presented the set up there (such as berthing for Neelankarai, a small “International Plan of Action on 110 mechanized boats and 110 on the outskirts of Chennai, in management of fishing capacity and motorized boats). The trainees then Kancheepuram district. to prevent, deter and eliminate visited another fishing village, Solai Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated The Assistant Director of Fisheries Thandavan Kuppam, where they (IUU) Fishing”. He said the first (Marine), of the district, coordinated were welcomed with shawls by the part of the IPOA called on countries the visit. Course participants visited fisher community. and regional fisheries organizations the berthing places of FRP boats on The fisher community expressed to achieve efficient, equitable, and the beach and talked to fishers about serious concern about purse-seining transparent management of fishing fishing areas, the condition of their and trawling in their village, major capacity worldwide by 2005. The craft and gear, the catch causes for resource depletion. They

44 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 biological data on fisheries is essential, the nature of fisheries resources makes data collection through a census difficult. He discussed the scope and methodology of sampling processes to collect data, and stressed the importance of training in reliable fishery statistics. In his lecture on “Integration of fisheries into coastal area management”, Dr C S Purshothaman said that coastal zone management includes conflict management Participants interacting with the fisher community in among stakeholders. Stakeholder Chinna Neelankarai, Chennai. consultations are therefore essential. said purse-seining should be banned only institute that encompasses all He referred to the Indian Supreme in Puduchery, as had been done in three areas. Court’s intervention on coastal Tamil Nadu. aquaculture and the success of Dr Kumar said that better links were The fishers were aware of the CCRF needed between R & D and the integrated coastal zone management and its guidelines. They followed field. The fruits of research ought to practices in Kung Krabaen Bay, eastern Thailand. rules and regulations on boat reach fishers more effectively, and registration and display of the fisher problems addressed better by Dr Latha Shenoy discussed registration number. They said they research interventions. He hoped adaptation of the CCRF to the adhered to safety requirements on that the course trainees would grassroots. She said that since the boat maintenance, ascertaining interact with CIFE faculty on all Code is voluntary, it requires weather conditions before fishing fisheries matters. participation by all stakeholders. trips, carrying enough drinking Dr Yadava said that promoting the Since it is global, it has to be water, food, extra fuel, tools, rope, CCRF was a major capacity- modified for adaptation to local anchor, torch light, sails, etc. conditions. She discussed the building activity of the BOBP-IGO. relative merits of different ways to The fishers said the president of About the training course, he said disseminate the Code. their village committee was its three modules related to a authorized to deal with conflicts. historical overview of fisheries On 21 June 2008, course trainees They felt that rules and regulations management; lectures on various met 30 members of the Versova ought to be adapted to local aspects of the Code plus field visits Fisheries Co-operative Society at conditions. They wanted better and interaction with fishers; and Versova fishing village, which is communication facilities and life group discussion and course located close to CIFE on a creek. saving equipment. They also wanted evaluation. More than 380 mechanized vessels short-term training courses on (ranging from 5m to 15.5 m) Dr Dilip Kumar began the pedagogy engine maintenance and sea safety. operate from the village, which has session of the course with a Course moves to CIFE, Mumbai presentation on the CIFE. He four fisheries cooperative societies. The CIFE part of the course began described the institution’s Members of the Cooperative on 20 June in Mumbai. Dr Latha achievements and its vision of complained about discharge of Shenoy, senior scientist and course becoming a global player for untreated city sewage into the sea co-coordinator, welcomed the specialized HRD in fisheries. and destruction of mangroves for participants and introduced faculty Discussing “Co-management of development. They said they follow and participants to one another. marine fisheries resources” government regulations on matters Dr P S Ananthan described the like vessel registration, mesh size Director Dilip Kumar said that different co-management regimes, and fishing bans; but such while fisheries is a state subject in with examples from BOBP-IGO regulations are often inappropriate India, the central government has member-countries as well as Japan. and should be modified. set up a strong R & D infrastructure, through eight institutions covering Dr R S Biradar explained “Cost About controlling fishing effort, the marine and inland fisheries and effective approaches for collection, members said the government aquaculture. They function under compilation and dissemination of should follow the rule ‘one fisher the aegis of the Indian Council of fisheries information”. He said that one boat’; often it grants licenses to Agriculture Research. CIFE is the while techno-economic and rich boat owners who already have a

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 45 boat. The members described lack of alternative livelihoods as a major problem. Better education and training would give them more options and reduce pressure on resources. Group discussion Group discussion followed the field visit, with the course trainees divided into four groups. Each group included a member from each country. Topics identified for group discussions: • Taking CCRF to the grassroots; • Role of stakeholders and Participants visiting a fish landing site in Tamil Nadu, India. modalities/ mechanisms of their participation in implementation of implementation of the Code in their could be used as a delivery tool. the Code; respective countries and how it Messages could also be • Alignment of policies and could be adapted to meet local disseminated through prayer programmes to meet the requirements. The four focus areas services in places of worship. requirements of implementation of were the same as in the earlier • Alternative income-generation CCRF; group discussion. activities and vocational skills • Adaptation of the CCRF to meet On the basis of discussions carried should be popularized among the local requirement. fishers. out for almost two full days, a The groups presented their findings representative from each country Concluding ceremony during an interactive session on the made a presentation on 27 June. The concluding ceremony of the morning of 23 June in which CIFE training course was held in the faculty participated. They also Major observations are summarized library hall of the BOBP-IGO discussed policy issues. below: • A wide knowledge gap exists Secretariat on 27 June 2008. At the concluding session, Dr Dilip among stakeholders about Certificates were presented to Kumar hoped the course would responsible fishing practices and participants. benefit participants and their the Code; Dr Yadava said the regional training countries in implementing the Code • Participation of other stakeholders course had been an enriching at the grassroots level. He urged in fisheries management is limited experience for the BOBP-IGO. The participants to put their learning to but gradually increasing; group discussions, presentations, good use and promote sustainable • There is a communication gap and course evaluation by the fisheries. Dr Latha Shenoy thanked between the government including participants would help the BOBP- the BOBP-IGO for choosing CIFE R & D institutes and other IGO fine-tune future courses. They as partner and said the course was stakeholders; would also help the IGO’s strategies an enriching experience. The • The Code is more acceptable and for member-countries to adapt and trainees returned to Chennai on easier to understand when implement the Code. 23 June 2008. translated into local languages or presented through posters; and Dr Yadava asked the trainees to Final session of the course in • Fishers are concerned about cultivate relationships formed Chennai, 24 June 2008 resource depletion and are eager to during the course. They should The session began with the course play a responsible role. continue to communicate with each trainees sharing their experiences of Some important suggestions that other and with the BOBP-IGO, so the field visits and course work at emerged from the group that a fisheries network was Chinna Neelankarai, Puducherry and discussions: established in the region. The Mumbai. They said the field visits trainees thanked the BOBP-IGO and gave them a better understanding of • For effective dissemination of the Code, education and training are CIFE, Mumbai, for the excellent ground realities and of the views and important tools. conduct of the course and the warm roles of stakeholders in resource hospitality. They assured the IGO management. • Mass media like TV and radio can be significant channels of that they would use the knowledge A second group discussion ensued, dissemination. Since many fishers acquired during the course to with the groups this time arranged are familiar with mobile phones, promote and strengthen the CCRF by country. They assessed Short Message Service (SMS) in their respective countries.

46 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Management Plan for Sharks

Regional Consultation on Management Plan for Shark Fisheries Mr Piyasena pointed out that he Regional Consultation on formulated. He hoped that the member-countries of the BOBP- Preparation of a present consultation would debate IGO, including Sri Lanka, were yet TManagement Plan for Shark the subject and enable a road map to develop a national plan of action Fisheries, held in Beruwala, for management plan on shark on the basis of the International Plan Sri Lanka, on 24-26 March 2008, fisheries. of Action for Conservation and was an outcome of a suggestion Mr Indra Ranasinghe, Director Management of Sharks (IPOA- made at the second meeting of the General (Development), MoFAR, Sharks) formulated by the FAO BOBP-IGO’s Technical Advisory Sri Lanka, said that reliable within the framework of the Code of Committee (Chennai, February information was needed for a Conduct for Responsible Fisheries 2007) and endorsed at the third management plan, which in turn (CCRF). He hoped the present meeting of the Governing Council was needed to create awareness and consultation, a timely initiative, (Malé, Maldives, May 2007). education among stakeholders. He would lead eventually to national Fifteen delegates from India, urged co-operation among member- plans for shark management. Maldives and Sri Lanka took part in countries in management, also Technical Session periodic review and revision of the consultation. Mr G Piyasena, Dr E Vivekanandan, Principal management effort. Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Aquatic Resources (MoFAR), Mr Piyasena said that for centuries, Research Institute, Kochi, India, Sri Lanka, chaired the consultation. artisanal fishers of Sri Lanka had made the first presentation on the Welcoming the delegates, Dr Yugraj harvested sharks as a non-targeted “Status of Shark Fishery in Indian Singh Yadava, Director of the fishery. In recent decades, modern Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)”. BOBP-IGO, discussed the critical technology and access to distant He said that of the 47 species of state of the global fishery. The markets had increased shark fishing sharks that occur in the Indian seas, FAO’s report for 2006 showed that effort and landings. The current six species constitute a major global capture fish production had view was that directed shark catches fishery. Some 15-20 000 fishers reached a plateau, with most fish and certain multi-species fisheries in engage exclusively in shark fishing. stocks being highly exploited. The which shark catches constituted a Average annual shark landings Bay of Bengal (BoB) apparently is significant by-catch should be better (1985-2006) amounted to 36 021 still the least exploited, but this managed. tonnes. phenomenon may reflect insufficient reporting rather than untapped potential. It is disturbing that small-sized fishes are being exploited more and more. Result: lower catch per unit effort and low fisher incomes. Dr Yadava said that sharks have been an age-old fishery in India, Maldives as well as Sri Lanka, and shark landings are a source of livelihoods for many. Every part of shark has an economic value. However, shark stocks are now under threat; many species of sharks figure in the IUCN Red List. It is essential that negative impacts on shark populations are addressed urgently and a management plan Participants at the Regional Consultation.

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 47 Gantt chart for proposed activities to support preparation of a Maldives – the reef shark fishery, management plan for shark fisheries. oceanic shark fishery and the deep Sl. Management 2008 water gulper shark fishery. Stocks, No. aspects particularly of reef and oceanic May June July August September October shark fishery, have been depleted by 1.0 Preparation of heavy exploitation. Recovery of the comprehensive status stocks is not easy for species with paper on shark fisheries the biological attributes of sharks. 2.0 Stakeholder consultation 3.0 Setting up the data Ms Saleem said that several collection mechanism conflicts had arisen over the years 4.0 Setting up of National between shark fishermen on the one Task Force hand, and the tourism sector and the 5.0 Setting up of a ‘Shark tuna fishing industry on the other. Portal/ Website’ A 10-year moratorium had been 6.0 Preparation of ‘awareness imposed in 1998 on shark fishing material’ inside and within 12 miles from the 7.0 Indigenous traditional rim of seven atolls in the Maldives. knowledge – documentation This was meant to address the of a case study conflict between shark fishermen and the tourism sector. Additionally, He said that in the last few years, million were exported. Four species to address conflicts between the the fishery was shifting oceanward of sharks, Carcharhinus hemiodon, shark and tuna fishermen, shark from the coast. Trawls, gillnets and Glyphis gangeticus, G. glyphis and fishing had been banned from two hooks and lines accounted for about Rhiniodon typus are protected by locations in the south of Maldives, 95 percent of the shark landings. law. Measures were needed to which are considered good fishing Potential yield of sharks in the sustain the stock of sharks without areas by tuna fishermen. continental shelf of the Indian EEZ affecting the livelihoods of fishers. Ms Saleem said a 2003 survey had been estimated at 45 064 Ms Mariyam Saleem, Reef showed that shark fishing was tonnes, and that of pelagic sharks Ecologist, Ministry of Fisheries, carried out in 22 islands (the figure beyond the continental shelf at Agriculture and Marine Resources has since fallen to 11) by 132 26 200 tonnes. (MoFAMR), Government of fishing vessels and 528 fishermen in Dr Vivekanadan said that slow Maldives, said that the shark fishery 2003. Annual shark exports have growth and late maturation – typical in her country grew after exports fallen in value from MRf 15 to 20 characteristics of the shark species – began in the late 1970s, fuelling million in the 1990s to below MRf made them highly vulnerable to demand for high-valued shark fins, 10 million now, said Ms Saleem. overfishing. During 1998-2005, an salted shark meat and shark liver oil Ms Saleem said that on the basis of annual average of 853.7 tonnes of from gulper sharks. Three types of diminishing stocks and FAO’s call shark products valued at US $ 5.9 shark fishery are carried out in the for shark protection, experts have recommended a ban on export of all products from reef and oceanic sharks in the Maldives, after a grace period of two years. She highlighted measures to mitigate the impact of such a ban on the livelihoods of shark fishermen in the Maldives. Dr Champa Amarasiri, Director, Research and Development, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Sri Lanka, made a presentation on shark fisheries in Sri Lanka’s EEZ. She said that during the past two decades fishing activities had got extended to the edge of the 200 mile EEZ and even The Regional Consultation in progress. beyond.

48 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Shark capture in Sri Lanka is about (relating to R & D institutions and four or five decades old. A majority their spheres of coverage; ongoing of the shark catch is a by-catch from schemes; budgetary allocation; tuna long line and gill net boats. manpower involved in R & D; NGOs active in shark fisheries Sharks are targeted directly by long management programmes; fisher line and deep water fisheries, but associations; existing legislative this effort is rather insignificant, and policy support.) Dr Amarasiri said. • Log 4: Socio-economic analysis – Shark catches have been decreasing awareness creation and training rapidly during the past 10 years (comprising methods used and because of restrictions in fishing materials developed; extent and areas, also because more and more scope of awareness drive; feedback fishers are moving towards tuna on awareness drive; possible future longline fisheries. Catches comprise approaches; budgetary allocation mainly silky sharks and another on awareness drive; the role of 12 species. On the basis of the framework for a NGOs; quality of extension and management plan, an indicative field staff; training programmes Dr Amarasiri said that the estimated discussion map with six log-tables organized.) total catch of sharks was 2 101 was given to the delegates. The log • Log 5: Socio-economic analysis – tonnes in 2006 and the total number tables were headed as follows: livelihoods and trade (comprising of people engaged in this fishery • Log 1: Status of shark fishery in such points as the socio-economic were around 15 000. There is no the BoB (comprising knowledge of status of shark fishers; the structure management plan for shark fisheries fish stocks; of breeding behavior; of the shark fisheries market, its in Sri Lanka. However, the Fisheries of breeding grounds; of fishery and volume and scope, price trends, Act and other environmentally fishing effort; etc.) ways to reduce fishing, alternative related legislations of Sri Lanka have livelihood options, etc.) • Log 2: Natural and anthropogenic provisions to conserve and manage impacts (relating to existing • Log 6: Economic analysis – shark fisheries in the country. quantitative and qualitative natural funding requirements and provisions (relating to possible Following the country presentations, and anthropogenic impacts; possible threats; suggested additional funding needed to carry Dr Y S Yadava discussed an action out activities; external funding plan to formulate a management remedial measures and agencies that could carry out these received so far; utilization rate of plan for shark fisheries. He referred external funding; areas where to the peculiar characteristics of measures; and anticipated cost of these measures). additional funding could be used.) sharks – they are distributed in coastal waters and the deep seas; • Log 3: Socio-economic analysis – Delegates discussed issues for their some stocks are migratory and institutional arrangements. country among themselves and shared among the three coastal states; the stocks are exploited by Framework for Management Plan on Sharks both targeted and non-targeted fishery; knowledge on their taxonomy, biology, breeding and Review of Review of institutional Review of Review of finance distribution is poor. A sound information arrangements stakeholders and funding monitoring and control mechanism for shark in a given fishing area is Shark stocks Organisations Level of awareness Budgetary support therefore difficult. Shark biology involved Awareness for research/ Behaviour Manpower devoted programmes documentation Dr Yadava discussed the proposed Exploitation Quality of ‘Guidelines for Preparation of manpower Awareness Budgetary support for Natural impacts awareness & training Management Plan for Shark strategies Fisheries’ that had been drawn up by Anthropogenic NGOs involvement programmes impacts the Secretariat in accordance with the Fisher Associations involvement Training CCRF and the IPOA-Sharks. The Fishing effort programmes Funding of remedial Guidelines include a “Framework for Trade Training strategies measures a Management Plan on Sharks,” Price trend Existing laws and policies which has four main heads relating Socio-economic External funding to information, institutional situation requirements arrangements, stakeholders, and Funding areas finance and funding. Funding sources

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 49 pooled their knowledge to analyze the shark fishery in terms of the information sought in the log tables. They identified gaps in information and the future course of action. Dr Vivekanandan presented the log tables for India. He emphasized the need for more taxonomic work on the sharks; revalidation of the shark stocks with additional scientific inputs; data on species-wise effort; biological investigations covering a larger number of shark species, especially those inhabiting the deep seas; natural and anthropogenic impacts on shark fisheries. He said that India has 5-6 fisher groups that carry out targeted fishing for sharks. Awareness drives paper on shark fisheries in 2003, which would aid in the could be first attempted for such which was updated in 2006. But successful implementation of focused groups with the help of further study is required on trade the management plan. dedicated NGOs working in the aspects of shark fisheries. (iv) Setting up of a ‘National Task area. A task force on the pattern of Awareness is important, so is Force’ on shark fisheries ‘Project Tiger’ may be considered to traditional management knowledge. management. manage shark fisheries. Indigenous A website on shark fisheries could (v) Setting up of a shark portal or traditional knowledge could be be useful for information documented. dissemination. website for the Bay of Bengal region. Presenting the log tables for Constitution of Technical (vi) Documentation of indigenous Sri Lanka, Dr Amarasiri referred to Committee traditional knowledge for the dearth of data on oceanic sharks. The Regional Consultation agreed management of shark fisheries. As for reef-associated sharks and to constitute a Technical Committee (vi) Preparation of awareness gulper sharks, systematic knowledge in each country to initiate action on on biology, breeding and related materials on conservation and the requirements identified at the sustainable exploitation of attributes is lacking. There is no Consultation. significant targeted fishing for shark fisheries. sharks in Sri Lanka, but non- Proposed Action Plan To carry out these activities in a targeted fishing, especially that On the basis of the deliberations, the systematic time frame, a Gantt chart associated with tuna long lining and Consultation agreed on the covering the period May - October, gill netting, can be a problem for following set of activities for 2008 was agreed to by the Regional shark stocks. There are no on-going implementation. Support would be Consultation (see page 48). It was research programmes on shark provided by the BOBP-IGO as per also decided that the next meeting fisheries per se, but they are covered an agreed action plan. would be held in the Maldives in a limited manner under (i) A comprehensive status paper during the last quarter of 2008, investigations on ‘larger pelagics’ on shark fisheries resources, subject to the approval of the carried out by NARA. including a research Government of Maldives. Mr Mohamed Shainee, Assistant bibliography. In conclusion, Mr Piyasena said the Director-General, MoFAMR, (ii) A stakeholder consultation on Consultation had enabled a good described the shark fishery in the management of shark fisheries opportunity to initiate preparation of Maldives as unique. At present, only in each of the three countries. a management plan for sharks. He 11 islands in the country engage in The Consultation will also thanked the BOBP-IGO Secretariat it. Information on shark fishing is discuss and identify alternative and the delegates, also Maldives for limited and species-wise data is livelihoods. agreeing to host the next meeting. lacking. Production figures are (iii) Setting up of a data collection, computed from exports – which collation and compilation label sharks as a single group. mechanism on shark fisheries, Maldives had prepared a status especially species-wise data,

50 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 Upcoming Programmes

A Regional Consultation on effective fisheries management; Safety at Sea for Small-Scale (iii) regional themes such as Fisheries certification in fisheries and aquaculture, capacity management, A Regional Consultation will be combating IUU fishing, emerging held in Chennai in July, 2008 to issues in fisheries, and review the progress of work under implementation of the CCRF. the FAO Global Project on “Safety at Sea for Small-scale Fisheries”. National Workshop on The Regional Consultation will Monitoring, Control and report on the progress of project Surveillance activities in south Asia, share A National Workshop on MCS information on global initiatives, APFIC Regional discuss the status of safety at sea in will be held in Chennai on 1-2 BOBP-IGO member-countries and Consultative Forum Meeting December, 2008. The workshop will present draft technical safety (6-9 August 2008) be organized jointly by the Government of India and the guidelines for fishing vessels under The Asia Pacific Fishery 24 m in length. BOBP-IGO. It is a sequel to a Commission (APFIC) will organize Regional Workshop on MCS held in A Bi-national (India and Sri Lanka) the second Regional Consultative Chittagong, Bangladesh, in January Workshop on Safety at Sea will be Forum Meeting (RCFM) from 6 to 2008, which recommended that organized for India and Sri Lanka 10 August 2008 in Manado, North member-countries formulate action along with the Regional Sulawesi, Indonesia. The RCFM plans for successful implementation Consultation in Chennai, India. will provide a forum to synthesize, of MCS and for strengthening Participants will include fisheries analyze and agree on actions needed national agencies responsible for officials, boatbuilders, to “Adapt to emerging challenges – MCS. Accordingly, the workshop representatives of national agencies promoting effective arrangements will review and analyse marine concerned with fisheries training for managing fisheries and fisheries management programmes and education and with fishing aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific in India as well as procedures for vessel regulations, plus Region”. More specifically, the licensing and registration of fishing representatives from the FAO, the RCFM will review policy vessels. It will assess the capacity IMO, NIOSH (the National Institute recommendations and action plans for MCS, identify institutional for Occupational Safety and Health, to address two key issues identified requirements and prepare a USA) and the BOBP-IGO. by APFIC: (a) certification of plan of action. fisheries and aquaculture, and The idea of the IMO Project is to (b) fisheries overcapacity and IUU Expert Consultation on introduce sound construction fishing. The RCFM will also guidelines for small fishing vessels in “Best Practices for Safety at explore two new key areas for future Sea in Fisheries” India and Sri Lanka, following the work – the ecosystem approach to December 2004 tsunami which the implementation of the Code of An Expert Consultation will be held sparked a boom in construction of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries at the FAO headquarters in Rome fishing vessels – many of which were (CCRF) and market linkages, trade from 10 to 13 December, 2008. It is of low standard and built hurriedly in and finance – reducing vulnerability being organized by the FAO in makeshift boatyards by people with and strengthening livelihoods. co-operation with the BOBP-IGO. little experience in FRP boat Participants will be fishers, experts construction. The workshop is being Thirtieth Session of the Asia- on fishing vessel safety, and organised by the BOBP-IGO in Pacific Fishery Commission resource persons from member- association with FAO and IMO. (11-13 August, 2009) countries of the FAO. The consultation is expected to produce The Thirtieth Session of APFIC will a draft outline for guidelines on best be held in Manado, Indonesia from practices for safety at sea in 11-13 August 2008. The session is fisheries, plus recommendations on being convened under the provision the special needs of developing of Article XIV of the FAO countries. The guidelines have to be constitution and will discuss a range approved by the FAO Committee on of topics such as (i) status and Fisheries at its next meeting in early potential of fisheries and 2009. The draft outline will also aquaculture in Asia-Pacific; identify the next steps after the (ii) APFIC’s strategy and promotion Consultation. of regional initiatives for more

Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008 51 Promoting Safety at Sea

Calendar on Safety at Sea What are fishers up against when they venture out to sea? They dream of a jackpot harvest but may experience a nightmare – injury, permanent disability, physical, mental and emotional trauma, death. But they can prevent or minimize disaster by following the right precautions. BOBP-IGO’s 2008 calendar offers a slew of straight- forward messages for fishers everywhere. Plan your fishing trip. Carry your first-aid kit. Use navigation equipment and spares. Learn to signal that you are in trouble. Use protective gear. Conserve fresh water. Keep a lifebuoy. Make sure of course that the fishing boat is safe, has been built right. One useful non-fisheries tip, particularly aimed at migratory fishing communities: Use condoms! The charm of the calendar lies in the illustrations: suggestive sketches rather than photographs, which show outlines of face and figure, and a breezy zig-zag line to indicate a wave. Says BOBP-IGO artist S Jayaraj, who received queries from even professional artists about his technique: “I did a line drawing of every situation, then used Photoshop to fill in with colour – as many as 256 colours of different tones and gradations.” “Useful calendar and very charming” was one reaction to the calendar – it is being distributed to fishers of the region at workshops and community meetings. Research preceded the calendar, so did trial-and-error with various sketch options. Ask for the calendar if you don’t have it – we have a few copies left.

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: 91-44-66149291, 66149292

52 Bay of Bengal News - March - June 2008