Management Councils to play crucial role in revamping fisheries management

Participatory Management Councils, one of the new amendments to the Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, will play a crucial role in revamping the fisheries management system in the state, according to experts here Tuesday.

Marine scientists who spoke at a workshop on 'Scientific management of marine fisheries, Kerala,' at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute here, said the councils would ensure involvement of all the stakeholders, including fishermen, in management and policy formation in the sector.

Sunil Mohamed, the Principal Scientist at the CMFRI, said the councils would open a platform for dialogue and discussions to take decisions on a particular issue in a democratic way. "This participatory management will address the requirements for sustainability, equity, and efficiency in fisheries and coastal resources management," he said.

The participatory management councils will function as a three-tier system at the village, district, and state levels. The councils will have representatives of fishermen, government officials, boat owners, boat builders, fish traders, Non-Governmental Organisations and scientists.

"Through the implementation of these councils, fishermen will be empowered to become active members of the fisheries management team, balancing rights and responsibilities, and working in partnership, rather than antagonistically with the government," Mohamed said.

Venkatesha Pathi, Director of Fisheries, said a scientific approach was essential for better fisheries management in Kerala.

"The fisheries department has allocated special funds for adaptive research in this regard", he said. The two-day workshop, which will conclude tomorrow, has been organized by the fisheries department.