Highlighting the need for fostering coordinated efforts and integrated approach to the state’s marine fisheries sector, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Secretary Dr N Subbaiyan has proposed a common body for all fisheries research institutions, agencies and organisations.

The proposal, made at a national workshop here on Tuesday, is designed to bring a uniform and viable strategy to the development of the sector and to address the issues faced by the fishing community. “The body will have scientific expertise from various fisheries research institutes and organisations with coordination from various state government departments and agencies”, said Dr Subbaiyan while inaugurating the workshop.

Urging the Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU) to spearhead this initiative, the Secretary said: “This body can manage scientific and technical backing to integrate with the solutions on the ground from various agencies. The unified platform is a vital step for the scientific community and fisheries managers to unite their efforts, thereby fostering a more cohesive strategy for the welfare of the state’s fishing population and the sustainable development of the sector.”

According to him, the new body can convene every three months, with its primary focus being to directly tackle the concerns and challenges of the fishing community. “The regular meetings are expected to pave the way for a more coherent, concrete, and broad approach to fisheries management, ensuring that solutions are not just theoretical but also tangible and practical”, Dr Subbaiyan added. Contributions from various fisheries co-operative societies in the state could be utilised for this initiative, he said.

Flagging lack of coordinated efforts in fisheries management, he said that the problems faced by the fishing community continue to persist. Policymaking and scientific research should go hand-in-hand and scientific designs should address permanent solutions to the issues in the sector, the Fishery Secretary said.

The two-day national workshop on ‘Strengthening the Science-Management Interface’ is organised by Bay of Bengal Programme Intergovernmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).

TNJFU Vice Chancellor Dr N Felix stressed the need for evidence-based fisheries management, highlighting the University’s proposed plan for a range of research initiatives, including re-validation of fishing ban, eco-modelling and identification of invasive mussels. He also said that the University is committed to study about the pollution aspect of the thermal power plants in the state and their ensuing impact on aquatic resources.

Marine Scientists, academicians, fisheries officers from nine coastal states of the country, NGOs and other stakeholders in the sector are attending the workshop. Panel discussions on resource management, science-based governance, data collection, technological advancement, socio economics and climate resilient strategies will be held at the workshop.

BOBP-IGO Director Dr P Krishnan said the workshop would come up with a work plan and a comprehensive road map for embedding evidence-based decision making in the marine fisheries sector of the country. To improve management measures and benefit the community’s livelihood, continuous collaboration is essential, said Dr. Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor of EDF-India.