In this issue:
This article examines recent initiatives to rejuvenate primary Fisher Cooperative Societies (FCSs) in South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal, highlighting their critical role in advancing sustainable fisheries, rural livelihoods, and social protection. It outlines the structural, administrative, and policy frameworks that support FCS operations, particularly the government’s lease-based allocation of large freshwater bodies to cooperatives. The article also reviews the election procedures conducted under the West Bengal Cooperative Societies Act to reconstitute governance in 43 active societies, ensuring compliance and eligibility for state support.
Through detailed case data and programme reports, the article documents the outcomes of targeted schemes such as input distribution for sewage-fed and large-scale fish culture, equipment provisioning, pension benefits, and capacity-building training. It emphasises the cooperative model's effectiveness in managing natural resources, strengthening community self-governance, and enhancing productivity. With a focus on practical reforms and institutional accountability, the South 24 Parganas experience offers insights into scaling cooperative-led fisheries development in similar socio-ecological contexts.
]]>The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held from 12-15 February 2025 in New Delhi, India. Submission of abstracts has been extended until 5 November, and early bird registration closes on 10 November, so get in quick!
The forum is a scientific meeting organised by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) once every three years to understand the global trends and address issues and challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The main purpose of this Forum is to provide an international platform for eminent scientists, young researchers, and other stakeholders across the globe to share their research experiences and innovative ideas. By facilitating the exchange of diverse range of knowledge and expertise, the Forum with the Theme ‘Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific’ aims to address key issues towards developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
]]>This project contributes to NACA's recent work with the FAO on aquaculture transformation. The aim is to create more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems through innovation, investment, and partnerships. NACA is developing an Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub (AIIH) to help realise this vision in the region, providing a facility that will bring together innovators, startups, and investors to accelerate transformation. The project will contribute to developing National Innovation and Investment Plans for Thailand, The Philippines, and Fiji, which will address issues including climate change, disease prevention and management, environmental sustainability, gender equality and social inclusion, and resource utilisation and management. The project is part of a wider AQUADAPT initiative, a four-year partnership running from 2023-2027, funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre.
]]>FAO's Committee on Fisheries has adopted the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA), which have been prepared to support efforts at all levels for enhancing the important role of aquaculture towards the eradication of hunger and poverty and to support socioeconomic development, in full respect of the environment, biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The GSA are a major milestone and a collective achievement by FAO and its Members, underscoring the global recognition of the vital role of aquaculture and the need for its continued sustainable development for the sake of current and future generations.
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In this issue:
A second High Level Meeting on Aquaculture Transformation: A Call for Collective Action was held in Bangkok from 8-9 November 2023 to further facilitate regional collaboration towards the Blue Transformation vision. The purpose of the meeting was to review progress made after the First HLM and discuss specific actions and mechanisms needed to enhance regional cooperation and progress transformation at scale by 2030. The meeting discussed and reviewed a draft Action Guide for Aquaculture Transformation for Asia and the Pacific Region. A proposal to develop an Asia-Pacific Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub as a regional mechanism providing policy advice, monitoring, resource mobilisation, partnership and capacity building functions as a regional platform driving aquaculture transformation was also considered.
]]>In this issue:
High-level meeting on aquaculture transformation in the Asia-Pacific region; Developing a regional strategy for aquatic organism health: Progressive management pathways; Job opportunity - health management and husbandry researcher; 2022 China-ASEAN International Forum on Sustainable Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture Under the Blue Transformation Strategy; A new progressive management pathway for improving seaweed biosecurity; Indian delegates visit Thailand for training and industry exposure; PhD scholarships: Shanghai Ocean University PhD Programme 2023; Reported aquatic animal diseases in the Asia-Pacific region during the second quarter of 2022.
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