KOCHI: A review of some of the existing subsidies in the marine fisheries sector should be made to effectively manage marine resources, according to a senior official of the NITI Aayog. Dr. Ashok Jain, advisor to NITI Aayog, said here that the impact of various types of subsidies should be analysed prior to formulating a sustainable marine ecosystem management. He was speaking at the opening session of a two-day national workshop on inclusive management of marine ecosystems at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Tuesday.
"The subsidies which are leading to overfishing or illegal fishing should be eliminated for the sustainable development of marine fisheries," he added. Pointing out the dangers of unintended catch through fishing, Dr Jain urged experts to reduce such catch. Referring to the delay in implementing the latest technologies by the state governments, he said that NITI Aayog would send directions in this regard soon to the states directly.
“India is committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by the United Nations. We have to look into the possibilities of sustainable marine tourism towards achieving the SDG-14, which is related to ocean resources,” he said and added that community participation should be ensured for conserving the mangrove resources. Mr N. Vasudevan, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Maharashtra, said the development agenda should be redefined focusing on conservation of ecosystem and livelihood of the fishermen community.
Dr A. Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI, stressed the need for sustainably managing marine resources. The workshop is being jointly organised by the NITI Aayog, CMFRI and the WWF-India to formulate an action plan in tune with the SDG-14 of the UN. Experts who spoke at the workshop stressed the need for positive incentives such as green certification to promote sustainable practices in the fisheries sector. Dr Sejal Worah, Programme Director of WWF-India, Dr C.N. Ravishankar, Director of CIFT and Dr Pravin Puthra, Assistant Director-General of ICAR, among others spoke at various sessions.
