India Takes Chairmanship of Bay of Bengal Organisation

India has recently taken over the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal (BOB) Inter-Governmental Organisation (IGO) from Bangladesh. This transition occurred during the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives. The meeting was attended by representatives from Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh. It was part of a larger conference focused on mainstreaming ecosystem approaches to fisheries management in small-scale fisheries.

Significance of the Chairmanship

The assumption of the Chair by India represents step in regional collaboration. The Indian delegation, led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, emphasised India’s commitment to enhancing the achievements of the BOBP-IGO. This leadership transition is aimed at encouraging cooperation among member countries and addressing various challenges in the fisheries sector.

Focus Areas for Regional Collaboration

• Marine resource management
• Training and capacity building
• Research and policy advocacy
• Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
• Resolving regional fisheries issues

Support from International Organisations

India seeks continued support from various international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). The collaboration aims to enhance knowledge exchange, technology sharing, and best practices among member countries.

Impact on the Blue Economy

The collaborations encourageed through the BOBP-IGO are expected to strengthen the region’s blue economy. This includes harmonising economic development while protecting marine ecosystems. The initiatives will also contribute to poverty alleviation in coastal communities reliant on fisheries.

India’s Development Policies

During the meeting, Dr. Likhi brought into light India’s developmental policies aimed at improving the well-being of small-scale fisheries. The sustainability measures being implemented under various government schemes are designed to support this sector effectively.

Future Endeavours

With India now chairing the BOBP-IGO, there are expectations for advancements in the development of small-scale fisheries in the region. The Department of Fisheries aims to lead member nations through effective collaboration, contributing to the national goal of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of regional organisations in promoting sustainable fisheries management in South Asia.
2. What are the implications of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing on marine ecosystems? Discuss with suitable examples.
3. Point out the significance of the blue economy for developing nations in the context of environmental sustainability.
4. Estimate the potential benefits of international collaborations in enhancing the fisheries sector across member countries of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of regional organisations in promoting sustainable fisheries management in South Asia.

1. Regional organisations facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices among member countries.
2. They provide a platform for collaborative research and policy advocacy to address regional fisheries issues.
3. Such organisations help in capacity building and training programs for sustainable fishery practices.
4. They play important role in combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through coordinated actions.
5. Regional cooperation enhances marine resource management, leading to improved sustainability outcomes for fisheries.

2. What are the implications of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing on marine ecosystems? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. IUU fishing leads to overfishing, depleting fish stocks and disrupting marine biodiversity.
2. It undermines the livelihoods of legitimate fishers and affects food security in coastal communities.
3. Examples include the decline of tuna populations due to IUU fishing in the Indian Ocean.
4. Such practices can result in habitat destruction, affecting coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.
5. Long-term implications include reduced resilience of marine ecosystems to climate change impacts.

3. Point out the significance of the blue economy for developing nations in the context of environmental sustainability.

1. The blue economy promotes sustainable use of ocean resources, balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
2. It supports livelihoods in coastal communities through sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices.
3. Developing nations can enhance food security and reduce poverty by harnessing marine resources responsibly.
4. Investment in the blue economy can lead to innovation in sustainable technologies and practices.
5. Environmental sustainability is achieved by protecting marine ecosystems, which are vital for climate regulation.

4. Estimate the potential benefits of international collaborations in enhancing the fisheries sector across member countries of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation.

1. International collaborations facilitate the exchange of technology and best practices for sustainable fisheries management.
2. They enhance research capabilities, leading to better data and informed decision-making in fisheries policies.
3. Collaborative efforts can effectively address IUU fishing through joint monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
4. Such partnerships can improve training and capacity building for local fishers, encouraging sustainable practices.
5. Overall, these collaborations can boost the economic viability of the fisheries sector in member nations.