Bridge the gap between scientific advancements and the fisheries sector, say experts

Fisheries Secretary N. Subbaiyan on Tuesday underlined the need to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and the fisheries sector to address long-pending issues of the fishermen. 

Speaking at the national workshop on strengthening science-management interface, he said that scientists should use data collected from the field and present regular analysis so that decisions can be made based on that. He also suggested that the Fisheries University acts as a common platform to bring together various organisations working in the fisheries sector to have an informal meet once in three months.

Prominent scientist and Adjunct professor at University of MassD USA and visiting professor at the Dr. Ambedkar Law University R. Venkatesan said that scientists and managers must focus on three areas – ensuring that research outcomes directly inform fisheries policies and management actions; harnessing emerging technologies to improve monitoring, reduce illegal fishing, and enhance traceability; and bringing fishing communities, particularly small-scale fishers, into the governance framework as equal partners.

Principal Scientist and Head FRAEED, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, J. Jayasankar said, “We need to move from sustainability to optimality. Fish, fisheries and fishermen should be kept in a triad, and all three need to be kept on top when needed.” He also said that there was a need to establish the Minimum Legal Size (MLS) for each species. Setting and implementing the MLS would increase fish catch. 

Director of Bay of Bengal Programme – Inter-Governmental Organisation, P. Krishnan, said that engagement between fisheries management and scientists was event and reaction-based and not as optimal as it could be. The workshop aims to bridge the gap between scientists and fisheries officials.