Experts Call for Closer Ties Between Science and Fisheries Sector

Quick Summary

• Fisheries Secretary N.Subbaiyan emphasized the need to bridge scientific advancements with the fisheries sector to address long-standing issues.
• A suggestion was made for Fisheries University to act as a collaborative platform, hosting informal meetings every three months between various organizations in the sector.
• Scientist R. Venkatesan highlighted key priorities: aligning research outcomes with fisheries policies,utilizing emerging technologies for better monitoring adn traceability,and integrating small-scale fishers into governance frameworks.
• Principal Scientist J. Jayasankar stressed transitioning from sustainability to optimality in fisheries management, proposing the establishment of Minimum Legal Size (MLS) criteria for species to improve fish catch and ecosystem balance.
• P. Krishnan from Bay of Bengal Program noted that collaboration between scientists and fisheries managers is currently reaction-based rather than proactive.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The points raised at this national workshop underscore critical gaps in India’s fisheries policy framework: limited integration of scientific insights into policymaking,underutilization of modern technologies,and insufficient portrayal of small-scale fishing communities in governance decisions.Proposals such as establishing MLS standards could lead to enduring optimization by balancing ecological preservation and economic benefits for fishing communities.

Bridging these divides through periodic collaborative meetings is a practical approach that could foster actionable solutions while strengthening industry-science relations over time. Improving traceability mechanisms using advanced technology would also help address illegal fishing practices-a persistent challenge for India’s coastal economy.

this initiative has significant potential but will require diligent implementation across sectors if India aims to realize sustainable growth within its vast fisheries domain.

Read more: The Hindu