During his career spanning 5 decades from 1967 to 2018 in the Government of Tamil Nadu and Government of India in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, he has contributed to fisheries and aquaculture Address: India
In the context of increased threats and pressures from unsustainable fishing practices, climate c... more In the context of increased threats and pressures from unsustainable fishing practices, climate change and the impact of other competing developments, efforts have to be made to reform the fisheries sector in TN and PC. The overall goal has to ensure that the fisheries sector makes a positive net contribution to sustainable development in TN/PC. Reforms need to be innovative, adaptive and responsive; they must build appropriate capacities and provide the necessary tools and information about best practices. Policy and governance State policies should be coherent recognizing the inter-connections/inter-dependence between welfare, development and fisheries management with the allied sectors. This requires a move from a focus on fisheries management to a focus on fisheries governance, with an emphasis on sustainability. The longer-term transition in fisheries management needs to address critical issues such as reducing the current overcapacity of fishing effort, allocating more secure fishing rights to stakeholders, and mitigating any negative impacts on stakeholders. A fundamental reform in governance is required that formally recognises the importance of moving to co-management involving partnership and power sharing between the DoF and the fishing communities. Such a policy should take into account latest paradigm shift in related Central/ State Government policies as well as the international aspects of marine fisheries management and market demands. Comprehensive legislation encompassing integrated coastal management, fisheries conservation, fisheries management and recognising rights of fishers has to be evolved and put in place. A sound Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) system including a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), needs to be implemented. Practical and appropriate fishery management An ecosystem approach to fisheries management has to be implemented through the setting of management objectives which strive to balance diverse societal objectives,—biological, economic and social. Fleet reduction and gear control programmes should be designed in a manner that balance efficiency and the carrying capacity of the fishery with employment. Management decision-making needs to be informed or validated by high level (aggregated) statistics available and also by information derived from fishermen’s knowledge. Deep sea fishing could be promoted in stages, ensuring that the resources are available and it is profitable for the operators. Resource Enhancement and Aquaculture development Mariculture is still in its nascent stage in India and its development and growth needs a proper policy framework. Fishery infrastructure modernization and development For effective designing, construction, operation and management of the new and existing fishery harbours and fish landing centres, a Fishery Harbour Authority has to be set up. Development of appropriate fish handling, use of low cost energy for processing, preservation, transportation, distribution and marketing systems need encouragement. Measures have to be taken to achieve sustainable increase in the value and volume of fish marketed for domestic consumption and export, fully complying with national and international requirements. Capacity building Issues on education of fishermen/ women, vocational training on improved fisheries techniques, livelihood enhancement and diversification by creating alternate and supplementary employment opportunities through capacity building and market tie-up have to be given adequate importance.
A 300 km stretch of Cauvery River System was taken up during 1976-1979 covering 37 Stations for t... more A 300 km stretch of Cauvery River System was taken up during 1976-1979 covering 37 Stations for the present studies on the physico-chemical, microbial and biological aspects of the river system, their interactions, extent and effect of various industrial and urban wastes on the ecology of the river system and identification of different polluted and non-polluted zones based on the water quality and various biological indicators/markers. Studies indicated that the upper reaches of the river Cauvery at Madayyankuttai which receives industrial/chemical wastes from Mettur Industrial Complex; Erode, Pallipalayam/Kumarapalayam at the middle reaches which receive textile and dye wastes, paper mill wastes and sewage; River Bhavani which receives viscose factory wastes below Bhavanisagar and sewage at Bhavani Town; River Amaravati at Kurur which receives untreated sewage; and Uyyakondan Channel at Trichirapalli which receives city sewage and distillery wastes were found to be grossly polluted.
Oil exploration, navigation, marine transportation and oil related activities along the Indian co... more Oil exploration, navigation, marine transportation and oil related activities along the Indian coast that have potential for the occurrence of oil spills are threatening the coastal ecosystem. Gulf of Kachchh, a biologically rich ecosystem comprising of mudflats, shoals, islands, sandy beaches, rocky shore, coral reefs and mangroves is located along West Coast of India. Its proximity to Persian Gulf has attracted establishment of facilities for transferring, piping and loading of crude oil and petroleum products. Arabian Light Crude was considered for hypothetical scenarios of oil spill at SPM locations for risk assessment. In this paper, an attempt made to identify the most likely resources under risk due to oil spill has been analysed and presented. An integrated numerical simulation modelling approach is applied to generate the probable oil trajectory, fate analysis and linked in GIS to locate and estimate resources at risk. Sensitivity analysis of the resources available in the study area is carried out to set the priorities for response actions in the oil spill contingency plans.
A two-dimensional hydrodynamic model MIKE-21 was applied to understand the circulation pattern in... more A two-dimensional hydrodynamic model MIKE-21 was applied to understand the circulation pattern in Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India. Analysis of residual currents obtained from 30-day simulations revealed the formation of several eddies in outer Gulf. Presence of these eddies and the magnitudes of residual currents indicate the mixing capacity of central and outer Gulf. The results strengthen and extend the understanding of the circulation and mixing pattern to manage the habitat.
Marine and other aquatic litter/debris is the world's most pervasive pollution problem along shor... more Marine and other aquatic litter/debris is the world's most pervasive pollution problem along shorelines, coastal waters, estuaries, and oceans throughout the world, affecting our seas and waterways. Marine litter consists mainly of slowly degradable or non-degradable substances, which inevitably accumulate in the environment, causing an ever growing problem. The threat and impacts of marine debris have long been ignored. The trash and other waste that drifts around the global ocean and washes up on the nation’s shores, pose a serious threat to fishery resources, wildlife, and habitat, as well as human health and safety. In the entire SAS Region, data/information of some utility on marine litter is available only from India, Sri Lanka and Maldives and in the other two countries the information available is scanty. There are more weaknesses than strengths in the current marine litter management programmes of the countries in the SAS Region. There is no standard methodology adopted even in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka where periodic coastal clean up activities are reported to be undertaken, for marine/beach litter removal and disposal. None of the National Environment Action Plans of the countries in the SAS Region includes any programme worth the name for marine litter monitoring, management and prevention. From the available data it could be inferred that the major sources of marine pollution including debris/litter are domestic/industrial wastes, ports and harbours including fishing harbours and landing centres, ship breaking yards, fish/food processing industries, tourist resorts/beaches, solid waste dumping, urban runoff, oil rigs, coastal aquaculture, fishing industry including fishing gear, shipping including garbage from ships, recreational and leisure use, marine mining, construction activities, etc. Except for scanty information on beach litter, there is no information/data available on the open ocean floating and submerged marine litter/debris, as no systematic monitoring/sighting of such debris has so far been undertaken in this part of the South Asian Seas.
The framework document also underscores the need for development of best practice guidelines for waste management which includes, waste avoidance, waste reduction, waste segregation, waste reuse, waste recycling or reclamation, waste treatment and waste disposal; Waste Management Plan incorporating waste reception facilities; and methods of disposal of different kinds of wastes as per MARPOL 73/78 Annex – I, II, IV & V. Under the title ‘Partnerships, voluntary agreements and cooperation with major stakeholders’, the document touches upon the Role of Government agencies, NGOs and Community participation. Plans for improvement of port reception facilities and services for garbage collection from the shipping and fishing industries; development and improvement of waste management policies and systems; and capacity building / human resource development, are the critical aspects dealt with and discussed. The framework document also contains a section dealing with implementation of specific projects for marine litter management in the SAS Region under which a suggestion has been made for a comprehensive Integrated Marine Debris Management (IMDM) Programme that could be introduced in the region. This IMDM programme envisages setting up of a Regional Working Group and National level Monitoring Committees to formulate detailed work plans, review the implementation of the IMDM Programme, and provide necessary policy and advisory guidance to the Project implementing agencies and the concerned national governments on effective marine litter management in the respective countries, supported by a Project Directorate with supporting staff. At the Regional level, SACEP-SAS RSP would constitute a Working Group for the SAS drawing Members from UNEP, IMO, GPA, IOC, GEF, World Bank, WWF, etc., and the respective National Focal Points to review and guide the implementation of marine litter activities in the region. A dedicated survey of coastal and marine floating and sea-bed debris spread over a 3 year duration, using the vessel infrastructure, expertise, remote sensing capabilities, acoustic instruments etc., available in the region, is proposed for the entire region. The survey would be carried out in a phased manner with initial emphasis on tourism related sites and other land-based activities, where majority of marine debris is generated, which finds its way into the sea.
In the context of increased threats and pressures from unsustainable fishing practices, climate c... more In the context of increased threats and pressures from unsustainable fishing practices, climate change and the impact of other competing developments, efforts have to be made to reform the fisheries sector in TN and PC. The overall goal has to ensure that the fisheries sector makes a positive net contribution to sustainable development in TN/PC. Reforms need to be innovative, adaptive and responsive; they must build appropriate capacities and provide the necessary tools and information about best practices. Policy and governance State policies should be coherent recognizing the inter-connections/inter-dependence between welfare, development and fisheries management with the allied sectors. This requires a move from a focus on fisheries management to a focus on fisheries governance, with an emphasis on sustainability. The longer-term transition in fisheries management needs to address critical issues such as reducing the current overcapacity of fishing effort, allocating more secure fishing rights to stakeholders, and mitigating any negative impacts on stakeholders. A fundamental reform in governance is required that formally recognises the importance of moving to co-management involving partnership and power sharing between the DoF and the fishing communities. Such a policy should take into account latest paradigm shift in related Central/ State Government policies as well as the international aspects of marine fisheries management and market demands. Comprehensive legislation encompassing integrated coastal management, fisheries conservation, fisheries management and recognising rights of fishers has to be evolved and put in place. A sound Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) system including a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), needs to be implemented. Practical and appropriate fishery management An ecosystem approach to fisheries management has to be implemented through the setting of management objectives which strive to balance diverse societal objectives,—biological, economic and social. Fleet reduction and gear control programmes should be designed in a manner that balance efficiency and the carrying capacity of the fishery with employment. Management decision-making needs to be informed or validated by high level (aggregated) statistics available and also by information derived from fishermen’s knowledge. Deep sea fishing could be promoted in stages, ensuring that the resources are available and it is profitable for the operators. Resource Enhancement and Aquaculture development Mariculture is still in its nascent stage in India and its development and growth needs a proper policy framework. Fishery infrastructure modernization and development For effective designing, construction, operation and management of the new and existing fishery harbours and fish landing centres, a Fishery Harbour Authority has to be set up. Development of appropriate fish handling, use of low cost energy for processing, preservation, transportation, distribution and marketing systems need encouragement. Measures have to be taken to achieve sustainable increase in the value and volume of fish marketed for domestic consumption and export, fully complying with national and international requirements. Capacity building Issues on education of fishermen/ women, vocational training on improved fisheries techniques, livelihood enhancement and diversification by creating alternate and supplementary employment opportunities through capacity building and market tie-up have to be given adequate importance.
A 300 km stretch of Cauvery River System was taken up during 1976-1979 covering 37 Stations for t... more A 300 km stretch of Cauvery River System was taken up during 1976-1979 covering 37 Stations for the present studies on the physico-chemical, microbial and biological aspects of the river system, their interactions, extent and effect of various industrial and urban wastes on the ecology of the river system and identification of different polluted and non-polluted zones based on the water quality and various biological indicators/markers. Studies indicated that the upper reaches of the river Cauvery at Madayyankuttai which receives industrial/chemical wastes from Mettur Industrial Complex; Erode, Pallipalayam/Kumarapalayam at the middle reaches which receive textile and dye wastes, paper mill wastes and sewage; River Bhavani which receives viscose factory wastes below Bhavanisagar and sewage at Bhavani Town; River Amaravati at Kurur which receives untreated sewage; and Uyyakondan Channel at Trichirapalli which receives city sewage and distillery wastes were found to be grossly polluted.
Oil exploration, navigation, marine transportation and oil related activities along the Indian co... more Oil exploration, navigation, marine transportation and oil related activities along the Indian coast that have potential for the occurrence of oil spills are threatening the coastal ecosystem. Gulf of Kachchh, a biologically rich ecosystem comprising of mudflats, shoals, islands, sandy beaches, rocky shore, coral reefs and mangroves is located along West Coast of India. Its proximity to Persian Gulf has attracted establishment of facilities for transferring, piping and loading of crude oil and petroleum products. Arabian Light Crude was considered for hypothetical scenarios of oil spill at SPM locations for risk assessment. In this paper, an attempt made to identify the most likely resources under risk due to oil spill has been analysed and presented. An integrated numerical simulation modelling approach is applied to generate the probable oil trajectory, fate analysis and linked in GIS to locate and estimate resources at risk. Sensitivity analysis of the resources available in the study area is carried out to set the priorities for response actions in the oil spill contingency plans.
A two-dimensional hydrodynamic model MIKE-21 was applied to understand the circulation pattern in... more A two-dimensional hydrodynamic model MIKE-21 was applied to understand the circulation pattern in Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India. Analysis of residual currents obtained from 30-day simulations revealed the formation of several eddies in outer Gulf. Presence of these eddies and the magnitudes of residual currents indicate the mixing capacity of central and outer Gulf. The results strengthen and extend the understanding of the circulation and mixing pattern to manage the habitat.
Marine and other aquatic litter/debris is the world's most pervasive pollution problem along shor... more Marine and other aquatic litter/debris is the world's most pervasive pollution problem along shorelines, coastal waters, estuaries, and oceans throughout the world, affecting our seas and waterways. Marine litter consists mainly of slowly degradable or non-degradable substances, which inevitably accumulate in the environment, causing an ever growing problem. The threat and impacts of marine debris have long been ignored. The trash and other waste that drifts around the global ocean and washes up on the nation’s shores, pose a serious threat to fishery resources, wildlife, and habitat, as well as human health and safety. In the entire SAS Region, data/information of some utility on marine litter is available only from India, Sri Lanka and Maldives and in the other two countries the information available is scanty. There are more weaknesses than strengths in the current marine litter management programmes of the countries in the SAS Region. There is no standard methodology adopted even in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka where periodic coastal clean up activities are reported to be undertaken, for marine/beach litter removal and disposal. None of the National Environment Action Plans of the countries in the SAS Region includes any programme worth the name for marine litter monitoring, management and prevention. From the available data it could be inferred that the major sources of marine pollution including debris/litter are domestic/industrial wastes, ports and harbours including fishing harbours and landing centres, ship breaking yards, fish/food processing industries, tourist resorts/beaches, solid waste dumping, urban runoff, oil rigs, coastal aquaculture, fishing industry including fishing gear, shipping including garbage from ships, recreational and leisure use, marine mining, construction activities, etc. Except for scanty information on beach litter, there is no information/data available on the open ocean floating and submerged marine litter/debris, as no systematic monitoring/sighting of such debris has so far been undertaken in this part of the South Asian Seas.
The framework document also underscores the need for development of best practice guidelines for waste management which includes, waste avoidance, waste reduction, waste segregation, waste reuse, waste recycling or reclamation, waste treatment and waste disposal; Waste Management Plan incorporating waste reception facilities; and methods of disposal of different kinds of wastes as per MARPOL 73/78 Annex – I, II, IV & V. Under the title ‘Partnerships, voluntary agreements and cooperation with major stakeholders’, the document touches upon the Role of Government agencies, NGOs and Community participation. Plans for improvement of port reception facilities and services for garbage collection from the shipping and fishing industries; development and improvement of waste management policies and systems; and capacity building / human resource development, are the critical aspects dealt with and discussed. The framework document also contains a section dealing with implementation of specific projects for marine litter management in the SAS Region under which a suggestion has been made for a comprehensive Integrated Marine Debris Management (IMDM) Programme that could be introduced in the region. This IMDM programme envisages setting up of a Regional Working Group and National level Monitoring Committees to formulate detailed work plans, review the implementation of the IMDM Programme, and provide necessary policy and advisory guidance to the Project implementing agencies and the concerned national governments on effective marine litter management in the respective countries, supported by a Project Directorate with supporting staff. At the Regional level, SACEP-SAS RSP would constitute a Working Group for the SAS drawing Members from UNEP, IMO, GPA, IOC, GEF, World Bank, WWF, etc., and the respective National Focal Points to review and guide the implementation of marine litter activities in the region. A dedicated survey of coastal and marine floating and sea-bed debris spread over a 3 year duration, using the vessel infrastructure, expertise, remote sensing capabilities, acoustic instruments etc., available in the region, is proposed for the entire region. The survey would be carried out in a phased manner with initial emphasis on tourism related sites and other land-based activities, where majority of marine debris is generated, which finds its way into the sea.
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The overall goal has to ensure that the fisheries sector makes a positive net contribution to sustainable development in TN/PC. Reforms need to be innovative, adaptive and responsive; they must build appropriate capacities and provide the necessary tools and information about best practices.
Policy and governance
State policies should be coherent recognizing the inter-connections/inter-dependence between welfare, development and fisheries management with the allied sectors. This requires a move from a focus on fisheries management to a focus on fisheries governance, with an emphasis on sustainability. The longer-term transition in fisheries management needs to address critical issues such as reducing the current overcapacity of fishing effort, allocating more secure fishing rights to stakeholders, and mitigating any negative impacts on stakeholders.
A fundamental reform in governance is required that formally recognises the importance of moving to co-management involving partnership and power sharing between the DoF and the fishing communities. Such a policy should take into account latest paradigm shift in related Central/ State Government policies as well as the international aspects of marine fisheries management and market demands.
Comprehensive legislation encompassing integrated coastal management, fisheries conservation, fisheries management and recognising rights of fishers has to be evolved and put in place. A sound Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) system including a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), needs to be implemented.
Practical and appropriate fishery management
An ecosystem approach to fisheries management has to be implemented through the setting of management objectives which strive to balance diverse societal objectives,—biological, economic and social. Fleet reduction and gear control programmes should be designed in a manner that balance efficiency and the carrying capacity of the fishery with employment.
Management decision-making needs to be informed or validated by high level (aggregated) statistics available and also by information derived from fishermen’s knowledge.
Deep sea fishing could be promoted in stages, ensuring that the resources are available and it is profitable for the operators.
Resource Enhancement and Aquaculture development
Mariculture is still in its nascent stage in India and its development and growth needs a proper policy framework.
Fishery infrastructure modernization and development
For effective designing, construction, operation and management of the new and existing fishery harbours and fish landing centres, a Fishery Harbour Authority has to be set up.
Development of appropriate fish handling, use of low cost energy for processing, preservation, transportation, distribution and marketing systems need encouragement. Measures have to be taken to achieve sustainable increase in the value and volume of fish marketed for domestic consumption and export, fully complying with national and international requirements.
Capacity building
Issues on education of fishermen/ women, vocational training on improved fisheries techniques, livelihood enhancement and diversification by creating alternate and supplementary employment opportunities through capacity building and market tie-up have to be given adequate importance.
potential for the occurrence of oil spills are threatening the coastal ecosystem. Gulf of Kachchh, a biologically
rich ecosystem comprising of mudflats, shoals, islands, sandy beaches, rocky shore, coral reefs and mangroves is
located along West Coast of India. Its proximity to Persian Gulf has attracted establishment of facilities for
transferring, piping and loading of crude oil and petroleum products. Arabian Light Crude was considered for
hypothetical scenarios of oil spill at SPM locations for risk assessment. In this paper, an attempt made to identify
the most likely resources under risk due to oil spill has been analysed and presented. An integrated numerical
simulation modelling approach is applied to generate the probable oil trajectory, fate analysis and linked in GIS
to locate and estimate resources at risk. Sensitivity analysis of the resources available in the study area is carried
out to set the priorities for response actions in the oil spill contingency plans.
several eddies in outer Gulf. Presence of these eddies and the magnitudes of residual currents indicate the mixing
capacity of central and outer Gulf. The results strengthen and extend the understanding of the circulation and
mixing pattern to manage the habitat.
In the entire SAS Region, data/information of some utility on marine litter is available only from India, Sri Lanka and Maldives and in the other two countries the information available is scanty.
There are more weaknesses than strengths in the current marine litter management programmes of the countries in the SAS Region. There is no standard methodology adopted even in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka where periodic coastal clean up activities are reported to be undertaken, for marine/beach litter removal and disposal. None of the National Environment Action Plans of the countries in the SAS Region includes any programme worth the name for marine litter monitoring, management and prevention.
From the available data it could be inferred that the major sources of marine pollution including debris/litter are domestic/industrial wastes, ports and harbours including fishing harbours and landing centres, ship breaking yards, fish/food processing industries, tourist resorts/beaches, solid waste dumping, urban runoff, oil rigs, coastal aquaculture, fishing industry including fishing gear, shipping including garbage from ships, recreational and leisure use, marine mining, construction activities, etc.
Except for scanty information on beach litter, there is no information/data available on the open ocean floating and submerged marine litter/debris, as no systematic monitoring/sighting of such debris has so far been undertaken in this part of the South Asian Seas.
The framework document also underscores the need for development of best practice guidelines for waste management which includes, waste avoidance, waste reduction, waste segregation, waste reuse, waste recycling or reclamation, waste treatment and waste disposal; Waste Management Plan incorporating waste reception facilities; and methods of disposal of different kinds of wastes as per MARPOL 73/78 Annex – I, II, IV & V.
Under the title ‘Partnerships, voluntary agreements and cooperation with major stakeholders’, the document touches upon the Role of Government agencies, NGOs and Community participation.
Plans for improvement of port reception facilities and services for garbage collection from the shipping and fishing industries; development and improvement of waste management policies and systems; and capacity building / human resource development, are the critical aspects dealt with and discussed.
The framework document also contains a section dealing with implementation of specific projects for marine litter management in the SAS Region under which a suggestion has been made for a comprehensive Integrated Marine Debris Management (IMDM) Programme that could be introduced in the region. This IMDM programme envisages setting up of a Regional Working Group and National level Monitoring Committees to formulate detailed work plans, review the implementation of the IMDM Programme, and provide necessary policy and advisory guidance to the Project implementing agencies and the concerned national governments on effective marine litter management in the respective countries, supported by a Project Directorate with supporting staff. At the Regional level, SACEP-SAS RSP would constitute a Working Group for the SAS drawing Members from UNEP, IMO, GPA, IOC, GEF, World Bank, WWF, etc., and the respective National Focal Points to review and guide the implementation of marine litter activities in the region. A dedicated survey of coastal and marine floating and sea-bed debris spread over a 3 year duration, using the vessel infrastructure, expertise, remote sensing capabilities, acoustic instruments etc., available in the region, is proposed for the entire region. The survey would be carried out in a phased manner with initial emphasis on tourism related sites and other land-based activities, where majority of marine debris is generated, which finds its way into the sea.
The overall goal has to ensure that the fisheries sector makes a positive net contribution to sustainable development in TN/PC. Reforms need to be innovative, adaptive and responsive; they must build appropriate capacities and provide the necessary tools and information about best practices.
Policy and governance
State policies should be coherent recognizing the inter-connections/inter-dependence between welfare, development and fisheries management with the allied sectors. This requires a move from a focus on fisheries management to a focus on fisheries governance, with an emphasis on sustainability. The longer-term transition in fisheries management needs to address critical issues such as reducing the current overcapacity of fishing effort, allocating more secure fishing rights to stakeholders, and mitigating any negative impacts on stakeholders.
A fundamental reform in governance is required that formally recognises the importance of moving to co-management involving partnership and power sharing between the DoF and the fishing communities. Such a policy should take into account latest paradigm shift in related Central/ State Government policies as well as the international aspects of marine fisheries management and market demands.
Comprehensive legislation encompassing integrated coastal management, fisheries conservation, fisheries management and recognising rights of fishers has to be evolved and put in place. A sound Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) system including a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), needs to be implemented.
Practical and appropriate fishery management
An ecosystem approach to fisheries management has to be implemented through the setting of management objectives which strive to balance diverse societal objectives,—biological, economic and social. Fleet reduction and gear control programmes should be designed in a manner that balance efficiency and the carrying capacity of the fishery with employment.
Management decision-making needs to be informed or validated by high level (aggregated) statistics available and also by information derived from fishermen’s knowledge.
Deep sea fishing could be promoted in stages, ensuring that the resources are available and it is profitable for the operators.
Resource Enhancement and Aquaculture development
Mariculture is still in its nascent stage in India and its development and growth needs a proper policy framework.
Fishery infrastructure modernization and development
For effective designing, construction, operation and management of the new and existing fishery harbours and fish landing centres, a Fishery Harbour Authority has to be set up.
Development of appropriate fish handling, use of low cost energy for processing, preservation, transportation, distribution and marketing systems need encouragement. Measures have to be taken to achieve sustainable increase in the value and volume of fish marketed for domestic consumption and export, fully complying with national and international requirements.
Capacity building
Issues on education of fishermen/ women, vocational training on improved fisheries techniques, livelihood enhancement and diversification by creating alternate and supplementary employment opportunities through capacity building and market tie-up have to be given adequate importance.
potential for the occurrence of oil spills are threatening the coastal ecosystem. Gulf of Kachchh, a biologically
rich ecosystem comprising of mudflats, shoals, islands, sandy beaches, rocky shore, coral reefs and mangroves is
located along West Coast of India. Its proximity to Persian Gulf has attracted establishment of facilities for
transferring, piping and loading of crude oil and petroleum products. Arabian Light Crude was considered for
hypothetical scenarios of oil spill at SPM locations for risk assessment. In this paper, an attempt made to identify
the most likely resources under risk due to oil spill has been analysed and presented. An integrated numerical
simulation modelling approach is applied to generate the probable oil trajectory, fate analysis and linked in GIS
to locate and estimate resources at risk. Sensitivity analysis of the resources available in the study area is carried
out to set the priorities for response actions in the oil spill contingency plans.
several eddies in outer Gulf. Presence of these eddies and the magnitudes of residual currents indicate the mixing
capacity of central and outer Gulf. The results strengthen and extend the understanding of the circulation and
mixing pattern to manage the habitat.
In the entire SAS Region, data/information of some utility on marine litter is available only from India, Sri Lanka and Maldives and in the other two countries the information available is scanty.
There are more weaknesses than strengths in the current marine litter management programmes of the countries in the SAS Region. There is no standard methodology adopted even in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka where periodic coastal clean up activities are reported to be undertaken, for marine/beach litter removal and disposal. None of the National Environment Action Plans of the countries in the SAS Region includes any programme worth the name for marine litter monitoring, management and prevention.
From the available data it could be inferred that the major sources of marine pollution including debris/litter are domestic/industrial wastes, ports and harbours including fishing harbours and landing centres, ship breaking yards, fish/food processing industries, tourist resorts/beaches, solid waste dumping, urban runoff, oil rigs, coastal aquaculture, fishing industry including fishing gear, shipping including garbage from ships, recreational and leisure use, marine mining, construction activities, etc.
Except for scanty information on beach litter, there is no information/data available on the open ocean floating and submerged marine litter/debris, as no systematic monitoring/sighting of such debris has so far been undertaken in this part of the South Asian Seas.
The framework document also underscores the need for development of best practice guidelines for waste management which includes, waste avoidance, waste reduction, waste segregation, waste reuse, waste recycling or reclamation, waste treatment and waste disposal; Waste Management Plan incorporating waste reception facilities; and methods of disposal of different kinds of wastes as per MARPOL 73/78 Annex – I, II, IV & V.
Under the title ‘Partnerships, voluntary agreements and cooperation with major stakeholders’, the document touches upon the Role of Government agencies, NGOs and Community participation.
Plans for improvement of port reception facilities and services for garbage collection from the shipping and fishing industries; development and improvement of waste management policies and systems; and capacity building / human resource development, are the critical aspects dealt with and discussed.
The framework document also contains a section dealing with implementation of specific projects for marine litter management in the SAS Region under which a suggestion has been made for a comprehensive Integrated Marine Debris Management (IMDM) Programme that could be introduced in the region. This IMDM programme envisages setting up of a Regional Working Group and National level Monitoring Committees to formulate detailed work plans, review the implementation of the IMDM Programme, and provide necessary policy and advisory guidance to the Project implementing agencies and the concerned national governments on effective marine litter management in the respective countries, supported by a Project Directorate with supporting staff. At the Regional level, SACEP-SAS RSP would constitute a Working Group for the SAS drawing Members from UNEP, IMO, GPA, IOC, GEF, World Bank, WWF, etc., and the respective National Focal Points to review and guide the implementation of marine litter activities in the region. A dedicated survey of coastal and marine floating and sea-bed debris spread over a 3 year duration, using the vessel infrastructure, expertise, remote sensing capabilities, acoustic instruments etc., available in the region, is proposed for the entire region. The survey would be carried out in a phased manner with initial emphasis on tourism related sites and other land-based activities, where majority of marine debris is generated, which finds its way into the sea.