Together We Stand

[ 135 ] Marine fishing is inherently risky. ILO estimated that annu- ally about 24,000 people lose their lives while fishing. This is mostly based on fishing-related mortality data available from developed countries. In the developing world, such data are hard to find. However, given the standard of fishing vessels and fishing conditions, it could be assumed that the mortal- ity is much higher in developing countries. A three-pronged approach was undertaken to address this: first, to develop a mechanism to collect accident-related data; second, to improve weather warnings and compliance with weather warnings; and third, to develop PFDs. Subsequent to the 2004 tsunami, the Indian National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has undertaken a programme to install data buoys across the Indian Ocean. The Indian Meteorological Department, which is also the Regional SpecializedMeteorological Centre for Tropical Cyclones over the North Indian Ocean, uses satellite data to issue cyclone adviso- ries. There has been considerable progress in weather warning and networking in this regard at the regional level through a series of community-level training programmes to build aware- ness. Folk media was used extensively to break the language barrier and create a communal response mechanism. As a result, although the number of events is on the rise, the number of deaths has declined considerably, especially in Bangladesh, where the dense coastal population was often subjected to horrific casu- alties during such weather events. 11 Social security cover was another major issue, especially in respect of Bangladesh. While in other countries insurance for fishermen is in place through the public sector (India) or the private sector (Maldives, Sri Lanka), fishers in Bangladesh are largely lacking any insurance cover. Therefore, a group insur- ance model based on Indian experience was advocated for Bangladesh, which is now under implementation by the state- owned Jiban Bima Corporation of Bangladesh. The policy is now providing safeguards to over 1,500 families (in 2012) from destitution in the wake of death or disability. 12 BOBP-IGO is now working with WBO to develop busi- ness cases for a global project, ‘Global Partnership for Sustainable Fisheries Management — Models for Innovation and Reforms’. The programme is aimed at developing offshore fisheries in the region which is considered vital given the over- exploitation of near-shore fish stocks, and the redistribution of fishing effort from over-exploited to under-exploited areas. The programme also aims at capturing maximum economic value from existing landings so as to improve the economic viability of fishing operations. The resilience of fisher families is a dynamic issue which needs to be adjusted to the changing situation. The objective is to ensure surveillance to identify the changes and prepare beforehand. This has been targeted through improving fisheries MCS. The other part is to develop a choice/intervention menu for the governments to draw upon. This is targeted through building human capacities as well as improving fisheries management and developing new fisheries. The challenge is far from over and the progress made so far can be summarized as a roadmap that is taking shape to address the challenges. Image: Y S Yadava, BOBP-IGO Population pressure and dwindling fisheries resources T ogether W e S tand