Sustainable Seas Ahead: Karnataka Leads Collaborative Efforts in Fisheries Management for India’s West Coast
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On June 25, 2024, Yashaswi Fish Meal and Oil Company initiated discussions with the College of Fisheries, Mangalore, to create a comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for Purse Seine Fisheries. This process involved collaboration with fisheries scientists, state fisheries officials, and representatives from neighbouring states (Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra) to expand the plan’s scope beyond Purse Seine to include Trawl, Ring Seine, and traditional fishing practices.
- Dignitaries: Sri Mankala S Vaidya (Hon. Minister for Fisheries and Inland Transportation, Govt. of Karnataka), Sri Vedavyas Kamath (MLA, Mangalore South Constituency), Dr. K C Veeranna (Vice Chancellor, KVAFSU, Bidar), Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan (Secretary, Dept. of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Govt. of Karnataka), Dr. Pradeep Kumar T (Vice Chancellor, KUFOS, Cochin), Sri Dinesh Kumar Kaller (Director of Fisheries, Govt. of Karnataka), and more.
- Fishermen Leaders: Over 450 fishermen leaders from Karnataka representing various fishing methods—Trawl, Purse Seine, Ring Seine, and traditional fishing.
- Officials from MPEDA, EIA, CMFRI, CIFT, FSSAI, and representatives from
neighbouring states (Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra).
These are the concepts that shape our distinctive culture differentiate us from others. They ture the spirit of our Firm guide the behaviors that enable us to deliver the promises we make to our clients and our people.
Key Outcomes of the Workshop
- Fishing Ban Extension: The fishing ban period will be extended from 61 to 90 days, starting in 2025, and require a minimum mesh size of 35 mm for sustainability.
- Light Fishing and Bull Trawling: These practices, deemed harmful, will be restricted to beyond 12 nautical miles if neighboring states concur.
- Code of Conduct: A uniform Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries will be implemented, including boat classifications, fishing ban periods, mesh sizes, and penalties for violations.
- Trawling Restrictions: Trawling will be prohibited within 12 nautical miles of coastal waters, while purse seine operations will be limited to beyond 5 nautical miles.
- Ban on Traditional Boats During Ban Period: Even traditional boats will need to comply with the fishing ban period to promote resource regeneration.
- Enhanced Vigilance: Support from the Coastal Security Police and Coast Guard will strengthen enforcement, and community-led self-regulation practices will be encouraged.
- Collaborative Management – BYGFISH Declaration: The “BYGFISH Declaration” will be implemented immediately, with plans to promote its adoption in other states.
- Arabian Sea Fisheries Management Coordination Committee (Sea=MC²): A new committee, Sea=MC², will coordinate management efforts among west coast states, with the potential for expansion to include neighboring countries along the Arabian Sea.
- Boat and Safety Audits: Regular audits will ensure boat safety, plastic waste management, and personnel certification.
- Blue Bank Initiative: The “Blue Bank” will provide low-interest loans and financial support during emergencies, funded by contributions based on fish harvest.
- Awareness Programs: Education on topics such as Turtle Excluder Devices, bycatch reduction, and fish handling will be conducted.
- Environmental Rejuvenation Fund (ERF): Coastal industries will contribute to this fund to support marine ecosystem rejuvenation through their CSR initiatives.
Next Steps
The immediate implementation of the BYGFISH Declaration in Karnataka, the establishment of Sea=MC² for west coast fisheries management coordination, and finalization of the Fisheries Management Plan are planned in alignment with these workshop outcomes.
