Recognising the growing challenges facing the small-scale fishing sector, including climate change, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is to help the Bay of Bengal countries to prepare a national action plan for boosting small-scale fisheries and to safeguard lives of millions of traditional fisherfolk.
The FAO in association with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), will focus on preparing country-specific roadmaps for a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) for these countries.
Aimed at developing the road map, a three-day regional capacity building meet of senior officials and representatives from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives will be held in Chennai on 17-19 September 2025. The effort is in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 14, and FAO’s guidelines for securing sustainable small-scale fisheries.
Dr Lena Maria Westlund, FAO International Fisheries Analyst, said: “Small-scale fisheries are the backbone of coastal communities, providing food security and livelihoods to millions. However, the sector is facing significant hurdles due to a combination of factors, including the climate crisis and competition for resources. The discussions for developing a road map for each country aim to address these issues”.
Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi IAS will inaugurate the meet, which will bring together senior officials from FAO, policymakers and marine scientists from respective countries. Organised jointly by FAO and BOBP-IGO, the high-level event aims to upskill the core team of national task force members to prepare the road map.
Proposed action plans will address issues such as fisher rights, fair working conditions, safety at sea, women’s participation, and sustainable management of marine resources, said BOBP Director Dr P Krishnan.
This effort could strengthen the future of fishing communities in the Bay of Bengal region, ensuring both livelihood security and healthier aquatic food production, utilising marine as well as inland resources, he added.
