BOBP-IGO/CMFRI Training Course on
Essential EAFM – Developing Capacity in Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Kerala, India
30 August – 06 September 2016
The ecosystem approach offers a practical and effective means to manage fisheries more holistically. This concept, which is relatively new to the Bay of Bengal region, poses challenges to the fisheries research and development agencies in developing management plans that not only work locally, but also fit into broader fishery/ecosystem strategies. To develop capacity and understanding of ecosystem approaches, a Training Course on Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (Essential – EAFM) was conducted jointly bytheCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation’s Ocean Partnership Project - Bay of Bengal (OPP-BOB).
The E- EAFM Training Course was conducted for 5 days at CMFRI, Kochi (August 30 – September 3, 2016) and was attended by 24 participants, including 16 scientists from CMFRI and two participants each from Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The E-EAFM training focussed on the development of professional planning, analytical and interpersonal skills needed for better structured management processes as well as more informed decision-making. In the training course, the participants prepared EAFM management plans in four thematic areas, namely, (i) Management of highly migratory stocks, (ii) By-catch management, (iii) Climate change adaptation in fisheries sector, and (iv) Management of Marine Protected Areas. These skills will help the Trainees in improved preparation and implementation of fisheries management plans that are more ecologically sound and account for human needs while promoting good governance.
The EAFM Training Course was followed by Training of Trainers (ToT) on September 5 -6, 2016 at the same venue. The ToT was attended by 6 scientists from CMFRI, who successfully completed the E-EAFM CourseTheToT helped create a pcadreof trainers and expertise in the region to provide support for planning and implementing as well as for developing capacity in EAFM.
Dr (Ms) SevvandiJayakodi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries, Wayamba University, Sri Lanka; Dr E Vivekanandan, National Consultant, OPP-BOB, BOBP-IGO; and Mr C M Muralidharan, FAO Consultant constituted the faculty and imparted the training.