BOBP Seeks Regional Cooperation as Climate Change Taking a Toll on Marine Fisheries

CHENNAI:
The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) has sought greater research cooperation among the member countries as climate change is taking a toll on marine fisheries of the Bay of Bengal region.

The Bay of Bengal is home to a rich diversity of fish stocks, but many are now overexploited or collapsed, due to a combination of factors including climate change, rising river basins, and inadequate management, said Dr P Krishnan, Director of BOBP. He was presenting the status report of the region at the global conclave on mainstreaming climate change into international fisheries governance in Mahabalipuram near here.

The region is bordered by six developing countries, including India and two small Island states. According to the report, the Indian Ocean is warming faster than other oceans, and this is disrupting the migratory routes and spawning grounds of the Hilsa fish, which is one of the important commercial fisheries in the region. The report underscored that some fish stocks are showing a declining trend in the region, calling for urgent intervention to support improving the fisheries in a sustainable way.

Greater cooperation
Viewing that capacity gaps in shared stock management is another major issue in the region, Dr Krishnan stressed the need for greater research cooperation among the member countries.

“Climate change is a major challenge for the management of transboundary fisheries resources in the region. It is difficult to maintain sustained interest for long-term activities, and there is inadequate finance for marine fisheries R&D activities”, he said.

There is a special need for a climate science network among the countries, Dr Krishnan said, adding that due to lack of capacity and funding, implementing large-scale programmes has become difficult.

“The countries of the Bay of Bengal must work together to protect their shared fisheries resources. They need to invest in research and development, improve management practices, and adopt sustainable fishing methods to protect the livelihoods for millions of people in the region”, he said.

Detailing the way forward, he said that introducing financial mitigation measures, adopting green fishing, and building healthy stocks are the major future plans of the BOBP.