Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation

Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation Regional Fisheries Advisory Body

The Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP) is an Inter-Governmental Organisation mandated to enhance cooperation among member- countries, other countries and organizations in the region and provide technical and management advisory services for sustainable marine coastal fisheries development and management in the Bay of Bengal region.

FAO PUBLICATION REKINDLES THE DEBATE ON WORKING CONDITIONS IN FISHERIESThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the Unit...
21/07/2026

FAO PUBLICATION REKINDLES THE DEBATE ON WORKING CONDITIONS IN FISHERIES

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released a new technical paper: "Progress in advancing decent work in marine fisheries: Challenges in the evolving legal and policy framework".

The publication provides a comprehensive review of the progress and obstacles in securing labour rights and safety at sea over the past decade and how decent work is essential to the social sustainability of marine fisheries.

The work of BOBP-IGO is prominently featured as a "bright spot" in regional governance in the report. As a regional fishery advisory body (RFAB), BOBP-IGO has been instrumental in integrating social dimensions into fisheries management. Key highlights of BOBP-IGO's work mentioned in the report include:

> BOBSAFE: The development of the "Plan of Action for Enhanced Safety, Decent Work and Social Protection in the Fisheries Sector of the Bay of Bengal Programme Region".

> Translating Global Standards: Using flexible and incremental approaches to diffuse international minimum standards—like those in ILO Convention No. 188—into domestic legal and policy frameworks.

> Advisory Impact: Acting as a catalyst for change by helping member states take ownership of safety and decent work standards at the national level.

Achieving decent work in marine fisheries requires a holistic, coordinated, and multisectoral approach. BOBP-IGOs is leading the way by showing that regional cooperation can bridge the gap between international law and local practice.

🔗 Read the full analysis here: https://doi.org/10.4060/ce0686en

BOBP-IGO PARTICIPATES IN LME 25 The 25th Annual Consultative Meeting on Large Marine Ecosystems and Coastal Partners (LM...
11/07/2026

BOBP-IGO PARTICIPATES IN LME 25

The 25th Annual Consultative Meeting on Large Marine Ecosystems and Coastal Partners (LME25) and the 2nd Data and Information Management (DIM) Workshop was held from 7–9 July 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

Dr. Krishnan was part of the BOBLME project delegation which presented the progress of the BOBLME II Project, highlighting several important achievements, including the endorsement of the Bay of Bengal Regional Plan of Action to Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing (BOB RPOA-IUU), progress in developing Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) plans across participating countries, and ongoing efforts to strengthen regional collaboration for the sustainable management of shared marine resources.

The delegation highlighted the importance of ensuring that national initiatives are guided by a common regional vision so that collective action can effectively address shared challenges across the Bay of Bengal.

Dr. Krishnan moderated the Knowledge Management breakout session, facilitating discussions on improving knowledge sharing, enhancing access to scientific information, and developing practical knowledge products that support evidence-based policymaking and marine resource management.

About 60 experts and representatives from GEF implementing and executing agencies, regional organisations, governments, NGOs, research institutions and development partners were part of Workshop that aimed to exchange knowledge and explore solutions for strengthening ocean governance, sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity conservation, and regional cooperation.

BOBP-IGO's participation at LME25 reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to global efforts towards healthy oceans and a sustainable blue economy.

BOBP’S INITIATIVES IN MAINSTREAMING EAFM AND DEVELOPING NPOA-SSF IN THE BOB REGION HIGHLIGHTED AT GLOBAL SSF FORUM Dr. ...
09/07/2026

BOBP’S INITIATIVES IN MAINSTREAMING EAFM AND DEVELOPING NPOA-SSF IN THE BOB REGION HIGHLIGHTED AT GLOBAL SSF FORUM

Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of the BOBP-IGO, participated as a panellist at the PROBLUE Global Engagement Forum on Small-Scale Fisheries, Food Security and Biodiversity in the Ocean, held in Mombasa, Kenya, on 15 June 2026. The forum convened policymakers, government ministers, development partners, fisheries experts, and representatives of small-scale fishing communities from around the world. Among the distinguished participants was Mr. Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of the FAO.

Dr. Krishnan highlighted the organization's efforts to institutionalize the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) as a cornerstone for ensuring the long-term sustainability of small-scale fisheries. He emphasized that effective fisheries management must extend beyond the conservation of fish stocks to embrace inclusive governance that places fishing communities at the centre of decision-making processes. He noted that empowering local institutions and fostering community leadership are essential for building resilient fisheries and achieving sustainable development outcomes.

During the discussion, Dr. Krishnan also shared the progress made by Bay of Bengal countries in developing National Plans of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF). He highlighted that the FAO has designated BOBP-IGO as the regional secretariat for supporting the development of NPOA-SSF in the Bay of Bengal region. He further explained how regional collaboration, harmonized diagnostic tools, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives facilitated by BOBP-IGO are helping member countries translate the FAO’s SSF Guidelines into concrete national actions.

He further emphasized that ecosystem-based fisheries management, inclusive governance, and strengthened multi-stakeholder partnerships are fundamental to achieving food security, conserving marine biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and securing sustainable livelihoods for the millions of people who depend on small-scale fisheries across the Bay of Bengal region. The forum reaffirmed the global commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive small-scale fisheries through collaborative, science-based, and community-led approaches. It also highlighted the critical role of regional organizations such as BOBP-IGO in supporting countries to implement the SSF Guidelines while contributing to the broader goals of sustainable ocean management.

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OCEAN DATA IN SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTED AT GEO BLUE PLANET WORKSHOP AT LONDONThe GEO Blue Planet Fish...
09/07/2026

OCEAN DATA IN SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTED AT GEO BLUE PLANET WORKSHOP AT LONDON

The GEO Blue Planet Fisheries Workshop on Ocean Data to Support Global Sustainable Fisheries Management, held in London on 21–22 April 2026. The workshop brought together experts from regional fisheries bodies, international organizations, and research institutions to discuss the integration of ocean data into sustainable fisheries management.

Speaking during the technical session, Dr. Krishnan emphasized that while fisheries management continues to rely on conventional stock and biological data, oceanographic information such as sea surface temperature and chlorophyll is becoming increasingly important under climate change. He identified institutional, technical, and policy barriers to the wider use of ocean data and outlined BOBP-IGO's initiatives, including an open data gateway and readiness building programmes, to improve data access and strengthen capacity among fisheries managers and small-scale fishers.

Building on the successful network created among stock assessment experts, he called for bridging the ocean science researchers through a structured network and designing targeted capacity building programmes to demonstrate the potential use of ocean data for fisheries management in the region.

SEA FOOD EXPO 2026: UNLOCKING INDIA'S SEAFOOD TRADE POTENTIAL THROUGH THE PORT STATE MEASURES AGREEMENT (PSMA)Dr. P. Kri...
09/07/2026

SEA FOOD EXPO 2026: UNLOCKING INDIA'S SEAFOOD TRADE POTENTIAL THROUGH THE PORT STATE MEASURES AGREEMENT (PSMA)

Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO delivered a lead talk on "How India Can Meet the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) for Importing Raw Material for Re-processing and Export." during the Sea Food Expo 2026 organized by MPEDA during 01-03 July 2026.

The presentation highlighted that the PSMA is not only a landmark international instrument to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing but also a strategic opportunity for India to strengthen its seafood economy. He explained how implementing PSMA can enable India to attract legality-screened raw materials from foreign fishing vessels, optimise the utilisation of its seafood processing capacity, expand value-added exports, and improve access to premium international markets, positioning the country as a globally competitive and trusted seafood processing and re-export hub.

Drawing lessons from countries such as Thailand and Seychelles, the presentation demonstrated how effective port state measures can create thriving seafood logistics, processing, cold chain, certification, and export ecosystems. It also outlined the steps needed for India to operationalise PSMA, including designating fisheries trade hubs, strengthening inspection and traceability systems, building institutional capacity, and fostering collaboration among government agencies and industry stakeholders.

The session was attended by representatives from government agencies, the seafood industry, export promotion organisations, research institutions, academia, and international organisations.

STRENGTHENING REGIONAL ACTION AGAINST IUU FISHING & ADVANCING MARITIME GOVERNANCE Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO, c...
26/06/2026

STRENGTHENING REGIONAL ACTION AGAINST IUU FISHING & ADVANCING MARITIME GOVERNANCE

Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO, contributed as a speaker and resource person at the International Law of the Sea and Governance Training Programme held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during 15–26 June 2026. The workshop was organised by UNODC in partnership with the Max Planck Foundation and the Regional Center for Maritime Studies. Through an interactive practical exercise on drafting a hypothetical National Plan of Action to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, Dr. Krishnan guided participants on translating international and regional commitments into effective national action. Drawing on the newly adopted Bay of Bengal Regional Plan of Action on IUU Fishing, he emphasized that successful fisheries governance depends on more than policy commitments-it requires regional cooperation, strong institutions, institutional coordination, robust monitoring and surveillance systems, information sharing, and evidence-based decision-making. In his session on Maritime Domain Awareness and Digital Evidence, he explored the growing role of maritime surveillance and digital technologies in law enforcement and governance.

The programme brought together an impressive lineup of experts and practitioners, including representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Maritime Policy and Fisheries Policy Research Institute (MPFPR), the Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS), the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) Colombo, Leiden University, and La Trobe University. Participants benefited from diverse perspectives on the Law of the Sea, fisheries governance, maritime security, dispute settlement, maritime domain awareness, and emerging ocean governance challenges.

Ms. AMINATH ZAYA HASSAN (Zaya) VISITS BOBPIt was an absolute honor and pleasure to welcome some very special guests to o...
24/06/2026

Ms. AMINATH ZAYA HASSAN (Zaya) VISITS BOBP

It was an absolute honor and pleasure to welcome some very special guests to our office on June 20th, 2026! We were visited by Ms. Aminath Zaya Hassan (Zaya), Mr. Mohamed Maujood Hussain (Marco), and their friend. Zaya is the Chairperson of the Maizan Hassan Maniku Foundation NGO, established to honor her late father, Mr. Maizan Hassan Maniku (1953–2002). As the visionary founder and first director of the Marine Research Centre (MRC) of the Maldives, Mr. Maniku shared a rich, long-standing collaborative history with the Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP). During his career, he masterfully utilized BOBP’s resources and technical assistance to build the Maldives' internal capacity for marine biology. Under his stellar guidance, the MRC routinely paired up with FAO and BOBP master fishermen and biologists.

Zaya and Marco partner together to run The Dive Society in the Maldives. Their dive center is dedicated to ocean education and unforgettable marine experiences, led by an incredible team of instructors and dive masters who always put safety first. During the visit, Zaya graciously gifted us a copy of the recently released book chronicling ‘Maizan Hassan Maniku’ and his pioneering contributions to Marine Research. We are deeply grateful for this invaluable addition to our library!

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# Fisheries

FISHERIES UNIVERSITIES PREPARE FOR VERIFICATION, MONITORING AND KNOWLEDGE SUPPORT UNDER PM-MKSSYBOBP-IGO, along with the...
24/06/2026

FISHERIES UNIVERSITIES PREPARE FOR VERIFICATION, MONITORING AND KNOWLEDGE SUPPORT UNDER PM-MKSSY

BOBP-IGO, along with the Department of Fisheries, Government of India and Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), organised a two-day Orientation-cum-Training Workshop on Verification, Monitoring and Knowledge Support under PM-MKSSY on 22–23 June 2026 at ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad.

The workshop was organised for nodal officers and researchers of the Consortium of Fisheries Universities. A total of 58 participants from fisheries universities across India, DoF officials, NAARM faculty and organisers attended.

During the workshop, participants were oriented on the architecture of PM-MKSSY, the role and limits of the V&MC, and the methods required for field-level verification and monitoring. Sessions focused on Value Chain Analysis, Good Practice Notes, model and bankable proposals, awareness support, documentation requirements, compliance issues, and the need for consistency across participating universities.

Setting the context, Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO, highlighted that the workshop marks an important shift in the role of fisheries universities. He noted that universities are moving beyond teaching, research and advisory functions to take direct, accountable roles in programme implementation. He emphasised the need to verify reliably, monitor credibly and convert field experience into usable knowledge for policy, management, administration and enterprise development. Mr. Sagar Mehara, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, underlined the importance of PM-MKSSY in strengthening formalisation, institutional finance, performance-based support and value-chain improvement in the fisheries sector. He also stressed that the work of the V&MCs will be critical for credible verification, transparent delivery and effective implementation of the scheme. Dr. Raman Meenakshi Sundaram, Director, ICAR-NAARM, highlighted the importance of capacity, evidence and institutional collaboration in converting public schemes into measurable results. ICAR-NAARM hosted the programme and provided the platform for bringing together fisheries universities, administrators and knowledge partners.

The two-day workshop was designed around exercises rather than lectures. Participants learned to identify value-chain gaps, document best practices, develop bankable enterprise models, and promote PM-MKSSY awareness. The training also highlighted field challenges such as documentation gaps, compliance issues, and translating enterprise experiences into useful knowledge products.

PM-MKSSY is an initiative of the Department of Fisheries, GOI, aimed at formalising the fisheries sector. The Consortium of Fisheries Universities, led by TNJFU, serves as the V&MC under PM-MKSSY, responsible for application verification and monitoring of supported activities, with BOBP-IGO acting as the Consortium’s knowledge partner.

BOBP-IGO IN BLUE INDIA 2026 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXPOBOBP-IGO participated in the Blue India 2026 International ...
17/06/2026

BOBP-IGO IN BLUE INDIA 2026 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO

BOBP-IGO participated in the Blue India 2026 International Conference and Expo, held from 4–6 June 2026 at KUFOS, Kochi, under the theme “Blue Research-Blue Innovation-Blue Future.” Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO, participated in the conference and contributed to discussions on sustainable fisheries and blue economy development.

In his address, Dr. Krishnan highlighted the challenges facing the fisheries sector, including climate change impacts, increasing pressure on marine fish stocks and the need for science-based fisheries management. He emphasized improving fisher safety, strengthening social protection, promoting climate adaptation and technological innovation, and enhancing regional cooperation to ensure sustainable fisheries and resilient coastal livelihoods.

BOBP-IGO PARTICIPATED IN THE THIRD REGIONAL PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE BOBLME PHASE II PROJECTThe Bay of ...
17/06/2026

BOBP-IGO PARTICIPATED IN THE THIRD REGIONAL PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE BOBLME PHASE II PROJECT

The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) participated in the Third Regional Project Steering Committee (3RPSC) Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Phase II (BOBLME II) Project, held in Negombo, Sri Lanka, from 19-22 May 2026. Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO and Mr. Rajdeep Mukherjee, Policy Analyst and Co-ordinator BOBLME-II project participated. The meeting brought together Project Steering Committee members and National Coordinators from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, along with BOBP-IGO representatives from partner organizations.

Dr. P. Krishnan provided an overall update on the progress of the BOBLME-II Project across its participating member countries, highlighting key achievements, ongoing activities, and emerging priorities. Mr. Rajdeep Mukherjee, presented the key outcomes and achievements under Component 3, focusing on initiatives aimed at reducing marine pollution and improving fisheries-related waste management.

The Third RPSC Meeting reviewed and endorsed the Annual Work Plan and Budget for the period July 2026 to June 2027, providing strategic guidance for the next phase of project implementation.

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