FLASH NEWS
The 5th Stakeholders Meeting on Small Pelagic Purse Seine Fisheries – Karnataka State Fishery Improvement Program (FIP), along with the formal Amendment of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was successfully convened on Friday, 25 April 2025, at Hotel Essentia Manipal Inn, Udupi. Organized by Yashaswi Fish Meal and Oil Company, the gathering brought together a wide range of participants from research institutions, fisheries cooperatives, government departments, and industry associations, reflecting the collective commitment of Karnataka’s marine fisheries sector toward sustainable development. The meeting began with the registration of participants followed by a warm welcome address delivered by Mr. Ramesh M. R., International Aquaculture Consultant, who emphasized the significance of continuous stakeholder engagement in advancing the objectives of the FIP and ensuring the responsible management of small pelagic resources.
The formal proceedings were initiated with an introductory speech by Shri Dinesh Kumar Kaller, Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Karnataka, who highlighted the importance of collaborative policy frameworks and the role of coordinated governance in strengthening the state’s fisheries sector. This was followed by an update session presented by Dr. Nimnual Piewthongngam, Coordinator of the Karnataka State FIP, who outlined recent achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future targets aligned with the improvement plan. Subsequent technical insights were shared by Dr. Sujitha Thomas, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR–CMFRI Mangalore, who spoke on CMFRI’s contributions to sustainable fisheries and science-based resource management. Additional perspectives were offered by guest speaker Dr. H. N. Anjanayappa, Professor & Dean, College of Fisheries Mangalore, who highlighted the role of education, research, and capacity building in shaping modern fisheries. A keynote session by Dr. Shivakumar Magada, Director General, Arabian Sea Fisheries Management Coordination Committee, addressed “The Future of Fisheries: Balancing Conservation and Livelihoods,” stressing the need to align ecological conservation with economic resilience for fishing communities.
The event brought together a diverse group of representatives, including scientists from ICAR–CMFRI, professors from the College of Fisheries Mangalore, and leaders from major fisheries cooperatives across the Karnataka coastline—from Karwar, Honnavara, Gangolli, and Malpe to Mangalore. Presidents of purse seine boat associations from multiple coastal towns, as well as representatives from the All Karnataka Purse Seine Association and deep-sea fishing groups, contributed to discussions during the interactive Q&A session. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Udaya Kumar Salian, FIP Lead, Karnataka State FIP, acknowledging the active participation and commitment of all stakeholders. The evening closed with a networking dinner, providing an opportunity for continued dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and reinforcing the shared vision of advancing sustainable, science-based, and community-centered fisheries management in Karnataka.