State-Level Policy Dialogue on Advancing Inclusive Fisheries Governance for SDG 14 in Maharashtra

 

    ICAR-CCARI participated in the State-Level Policy Dialogue on Advancing Inclusive Fisheries Governance for SDG 14 in Maharashtra organized by TERI, in association with Fisheries Department, Maharashtra, Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Environmental Defense India Foundation at Mumbai on 21 August, 2025. The inaugural session of the programme was blessed with the presence of Shri. Avinash Nakhwa (Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries, Mumbai City, Govt. of Maharashtra), Dr Grinson George (Director, ICAR-CMFRI), Dr Sreenakth KR (Director General, Fishery Survey of India), Dr. Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director, TERI, Shri. Hisham Mundol (Director, Environmental Defense India Foundation), Dr BB Nayak (HoD, FRHPHM, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai), Dr Ananthan PS (Prin. Scientist, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai) and Smt. Asha Hadkar, Fellow, TERI Goa. About 25 officials from research institutes, line departments of Maharashtra, and NGOs participated in the programme. In the keynote address, Dr Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI highlighted the holistic fisheries management framework for the state of Maharashtra. Four panel discussions were conducted on different themes to gather policy inputs from the participants. Dr. Sreekanth G.B., Senior Scientist (FRM) at ICAR-CCARI, led the panel on “Promoting Responsible Fishing Practices and Curbing the Overexploitation of Marine Resources,” where he addressed key topics including responsible fishing practices, infrastructure development, investment and management, integration of national schemes, governance and inclusive decision-making, sustainable production, ecological balance, livelihood diversification, and transitioning away from harmful subsidies. Participants shared their feedback and suggestions across all panel discussions, and the compiled recommendations will be developed into a policy paper for submission to the State.