Here’s a brief note on the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO):
Establishment and Members:
- Formed: 26 April 2003
- Member Countries: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka
- Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Mandate and Objectives:
- Mandate: Enhance cooperation among member countries and provide technical and management advisory services for sustainable coastal fisheries development and management in the Bay of Bengal region.
- Objectives: Implement programmes and activities for sustainable development and management of coastal fisheries, enable shared learning and information exchange, train key personnel, and develop interventions for women in fisheries.
Key Facts and Figures:
- Chairmanship: India assumed chairmanship from Bangladesh at the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives, on 21 February 2025.
- Programmes: BOBP-IGO conducts various programmes such as the Regional Training Course on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) and Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), workshops on Port State Measures Agreement to Combat IUU Fishing (PSMA), and fellowship for shipboard training.
- Research Themes: Policy research on national and international fisheries and environmental issues, revitalising traditional knowledge for sustaining fisheries, and aquaculture-fisheries co-development for stock enhancement and sea ranching.
Statistics:
- Years of Operation: Over 22 years
- Member Countries: Discussions ongoing with Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia for their participation.
Academic Interest:
- Research Opportunities: BOBP-IGO offers fellowship programmes and regional training courses, making it a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in fisheries management and sustainable development.
- Publications: The organisation publishes various reports, manuals, and software related to fisheries management, which are available to fisheries research and educational institutions.
