NN Online:
Action Against Hunger Bangladesh organised the inception workshop for the FISHNET project on Sunday at the Conference Hall, Department of Fisheries, Matshya Bhaban, Ramna, Dhaka.
The FISHNET Project – funded by the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature Programme and supported by UK International Development – seeks to enhance the resilience of fisherfolk communities by promoting sustainable fishing practices, improving marine and coastal ecosystem management, and incorporating habitat conservation strategies.
This initiative will address key environmental and socio-economic challenges, ensuring long-term benefits for both the communities and the natural ecosystems they depend on. This is a 4 years long project Started in December 2024 in the selected upazilas under Bagerhat, Barguna and Patuakhali district along with Nijhum Dwip, Swatch of No Ground and Dublar cha, reads a press release issued on Sunday.
The project designed to organise fisher folks and enabled community actors (Fisherfolk and its allied CBOs, CSOs and LNGOS) through capacity strengthening and network building, enabling active engagement with public departments and policy decision processes to address structural vulnerabilities, ensure equitable access to marine resources and protect the ecosystem.
The workshop was graced by Dr Md Abdur Rouf, director general, Department of Fisheries (DoF), as the chief guest. A welcome address and a brief project presentation has been delivered by Zahid Amin Shashato, head of programs, Uttaran, Netai Chandra Dey Serker, director (MIM), Department of Disaster Management, Prof Dr Sheikh Aftab Uddin, director, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, Zia Haider Chowdhury, ADG, Department of Fisheries (DoF) were present in the workshop as special Guests.
The FISHNET project is being implemented by a consortium called FISHNET Consortium led by Uttaran along with Action Against Hunger (ACF), SheRee, CNRS, Community Based Development Project (CBDP) and Women Job Creation Center as members of the consortium.
Marine Sciences and Fisheries (FMSF), University of Chittagong will be engaged as technical partner of the project.
The project will reach 10000 fisherfolk, support fisherfolk network and governance structure, and engage CSOd like bhumi committee, Pani Committee for legal rights and advocacy, Pilot 5 CMMPAs.
The project will develop 30 para-biologist to monitor biodiversity and IUU fishing, develop 5 localised land, zoning guiding and work with hatchery entrepreneurs to reduce wild larvae collection etc.
Key recommendations:
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Improve management and address illegal fishing practices through strengthened patrolling, increased interdepartmental coordination, and enhanced awareness programmes.
Disaster Preparedness: Utilise radar and early warning systems for disaster risk reduction and preparedness.
Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Engage local communities and fisherfolk in monitoring and enforcement to control IUU fishing.
Community Inclusion: Expand the inclusion of women and other stakeholders in fisheries management, including fostering innovative approaches like the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for para-biologists.
Artisanal Fishermen Engagement: Reluctance reported among artisanal fishermen to follow regulations.
For safeguarding life-saving equipment can be provided to enhance safety.
The workshop was concluded by the Chief Guest, Dr Md Abdur Rouf, who highlighted the importance of collective action, innovation, and strong commitment from all stakeholders to achieve the goals of the FISHNET Project. The initiatives outlined in the workshop are expected to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the communities and ecosystems in the targeted regions.
The FISHNET Project aims to positively impact 10,000 fisherfolk and develop a robust governance structure through network building, capacity strengthening, and advocacy efforts. This project represents a significant step toward sustainable marine resource management in Bangladesh.
