India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation from Bangladesh during the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives.

About Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO)

• Established in: 2003.
• Nature of Organisation: A regional fisheries body mandated to assist member countries in improving livelihood opportunities and enhancing the quality of life of small-scale and artisanal fisher folk in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Evolution: Developed from the Bay of Bengal Programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), which was initially founded in 1979.
• International Recognition: The organisation has set global benchmarks in implementing programs and activities focused on small-scale fisheries, delivering measurable benefits to its member countries.
• Member Countries:
• • Full Members: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka.
  • Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand.
• Observers: FAO and all the relevant regional fisheries and environmental bodies and International Non-Governmental Organisations active in the Bay of Bengal region.

Governance Structure

• Governing Council: Serves as the apex body of the intergovernmental organization (IGO) and meets once a year.
  • The Governing Council approves the programmes/activities and directs the Secretariat to implement them. 
  • It also reviews the administrative and fiduciary aspects of the Organisation and takes decisions accordingly.
• Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): considers the technical aspects of the activities proposed to be undertaken and implemented. It meets once a year.
• Ad-hoc committees: are constituted for specific purposes from time to time.
• Secretariat: is the implementing organ of the IGO and implements the decisions taken by the Governing Council.

Objectives of BOBP-IGO

• Marine Fisheries Management Awareness: Increase knowledge and awareness regarding the needs, benefits, and best practices of marine fisheries management.
• Capacity Building and  Skill Development: Provide training and education to enhance skills in the fisheries sector.
  • Facilitate technology transfer for the development of small-scale fisheries.
• Regional Information Networking: Establish an efficient regional information-sharing system to improve communication and collaboration among member countries.
• Promoting Women’s Participation: Encourage and support women’s active involvement in the marine fisheries value chain.

About Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project II

• Implemented by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, in collaboration with:
  • Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO)
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
  • Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC)
• Funding Agencies:
  • Global Environment Facility (GEF)
  • Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD)
• Purpose: To address challenges related to:
  • Overexploitation of marine living resources.
  • Degradation and loss of critical marine habitats.
  • Marine water pollution in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Project Tenure: Five-year project (2023-2028).

About Small Scale Fishery ( SSF)

Definition (As per UN FAO): Small-scale fisheries (SSF) refer to traditional, artisanal, or community-based fishing activities that are typically labor-intensive, using small boats, minimal technology, and low capital investment.

Significance of Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF)

• Livelihood Support: Provides employment to over 90% of the world’s fishers and fish workers (UN FAO).
• Food Security and Nutrition: Supplies nearly 50% of global fish catch, ensuring affordable protein sources for millions.
• Economic Contribution: Supports coastal and rural economies, reducing poverty and fostering local trade.
• Cultural and Social Importance: Preserves traditional fishing knowledge and community practices.
• Sustainable Resource Use: Promotes eco-friendly fishing methods, ensuring long-term marine biodiversity.

Status of Small Scale Fishery in India