India Leads Bay of Bengal Fisheries Group, Aiming for Regional Progress

India has taken the helm of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation at a key meeting in the Maldives. The focus is on boosting small-scale fisheries and regional cooperation. The leadership aims to advance marine resource management, promote collaborations, and enhance the blue economy.

In an important development, India has assumed the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation. The transition of leadership was formalized during the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Male, Maldives, with senior representatives from Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh present, according to a press release from India's Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

The event took place under the larger framework of a high-level conference focusing on 'Policy Guidance for Mainstreaming Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Small-Scale Fisheries.' It was hosted by the Maldives' Ministry of Fisheries & Ocean Resources in collaboration with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO). India's delegation, led by Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi of the Department of Fisheries, underscored the country's commitment to enhancing BOBP-IGO initiatives and guiding future efforts in fisheries development across member nations.

Emphasizing regional collaboration, Likhi highlighted India's role and the concerted efforts of neighboring countries in promoting developing nations' interests. Focus areas include marine resource management, training programs, research advocacy, and addressing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Indian delegation emphasized continued cooperation with organizations like FAO and SEAFDEC to bolster the region's blue economy and support small-scale fisheries.

As India takes on this leadership role, Secretary Likhi expressed optimism about enhancing mutual support through knowledge, technology, and data exchanges among member nations. These collaborations aim to harmonize economic development and marine ecosystem protection while contributing to poverty reduction. India's developmental policies were showcased as efforts to improve small-scale fisheries' well-being and sustainability.

With this strategic chairmanship, India is poised to guide regional development effectively, aligning with its national goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. The Ministry of Fisheries noted that this leadership position would not only advance international responsibilities but also drive significant progress in small-scale fisheries across the region, fostering collaborative growth.