Dr. Shivakumar Magada Participates in International Workshop on National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in Colombo

Dr. Shivakumar Magada, Professor of Aquatic Biology and Director General of the Arabian Sea Fisheries Management Coordination Committee (SeaMC2), actively participated in a three-day International Workshop on the “Development of the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) and Preparation of National Work Plans” held from 20th to 22nd November 2025 at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The workshop served as a crucial platform for regional dialogue and strategic planning aimed at strengthening governance, sustainability, and socio-economic resilience of small-scale fisheries in South Asia. Stakeholders from India, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka came together to share experiences, challenges, and policy perspectives relating to the implementation of the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries.

The event witnessed participation from several prominent national and international institutions, including officials from the Bay of Bengal Programme – Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), FAO Rome, ICAR New Delhi, Fisheries Survey of India, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka. In addition, leading international NGOs and civil society organisations such as RiseUp, National Fishworkers Forum (NFF), M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Blue Catch Mumbai, and the World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers also contributed actively to the discussions.

Deliberations during the workshop focused on identifying priority areas for policy intervention, capacity building, livelihood security, gender inclusion, climate resilience, and ensuring equitable access to marine and inland resources for small-scale fishers. Through participatory sessions and expert consultations, a draft National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries was formulated, outlining strategic directions and implementation frameworks.

The draft plan is currently undergoing refinement and upgradation, with a defined timeline for its finalization and adoption. The collaborative approach reflected a shared regional commitment towards empowering small-scale fishers and aligning national strategies with global sustainability goals.

Dr Magada, though participated in the capacity of Professor of Aquatic Biology, is very much inclined to bring the SeaMC2’s role in advocating for integrated fisheries management and strengthened regional cooperation for the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries across the Indian Ocean region.”