Fisheries governance across the Bay of Bengal is set for significant reform, with regional countries committing to develop nationally owned action plans to strengthen the small-scale fisheries sector.
At a meeting of the Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization in Reykjavik, the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) proposed enhanced collaboration with FAO to transform fisheries governance across India, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Presenting the case for reform, BOBP director Dr P Krishnan called for structured transition plans. “The transition is critical for sustainability and for the future of millions engaged in small-scale fisheries”, he said.
The initiative focuses on developing national plans of action tailored to small-scale fisheries, with an emphasis on inclusive governance, social protection and practical management tools. In India alone, more than four million people depend on marine fisheries, with millions more engaged in inland fishing.
BOBP-IGO warned that a substantial portion of the region’s fishing fleet is nearing the end of its operational life and requires urgent replacement and environmentally responsible disposal.
The proposed roadmap includes phasing out ageing vessels, promoting circular economy practices and introducing safer, more durable boat-building materials. It also highlights safety at sea, decent working conditions, insurance coverage and livelihood support, including expanded opportunities for women in fisheries value chains.
Participating countries also pledged stronger cooperation on shared and transboundary fish stocks through joint scientific assessments and coordinated management under existing Bay of Bengal frameworks.
Efforts to combat illegal fishing are expected to intensify through collaborative monitoring mechanisms and adoption of digital and artificial intelligence-based tools.
