POLICY BRIEF-FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE- SUSTAINABLE MARINE FISHERY PERSPECTIVES FOR ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

Abstract

The critical role of fisheries and aquaculture to the global food security is unarguable, however, is not without challenges in future. Marine fisheries sector employs millions of fishers directly and indirectly in to fishing and its associated activities providing food security, livelihood and employment. However, there is a globally rising threat on decline of fish stocks due to overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices. Strikingly, Andaman and Nicobar Islands being a biodiversity hotspot located in Bay of Bengal are known for its abundant marine fishery resources, yet largely underutilized particularly the oceanic fishery sector. There is also an urgent need to understand the burgeoning fishing pressure on pelagic and demersal resources due to their heavier. demand for local as well as tourist populace. Issues such as poor data, infrastructure, skilled fishers, manpower and ineffective trade links are also seriously affecting the marine fisheries sector. There is an alarming need to understand these issues impacting the sector and developing effective management strategies and the way forward to tackle and resolve the issues. In the light of above mentioned issues and debate, this policy brief is attempted in collaboration with scientific and development departments as an inclusive management guide for effective governance of marine fisheries sector. We strongly believe that the policy brief could play a greater role in effective governance and management of marine capture fishery sector in the Islands.