Ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) for fisheries co-management leaders

Abstract

USAID's ECOFISH II is a five-year (2019-2024) project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by WorldFish Bangladesh in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DoF) of Bangladesh Government. The project is working to improve the social and ecological resilience of coastal fisheries, securing equitable food, nutrition and livelihood benefits for artisanal fishing communities in the Zone of Resilience (ZOR- Cox's Bazar district), some important areas of Meghna River Ecosystem (MRE- Patuakhali, Barguna and Bhola districts) and Nijhum Dwip Marine Protected Area (MPA- Hatiya, Charfasson, Rangabali upazila). The project has a plan to develop the capacity of the target beneficiaries/groups and different awareness building initiatives to achieve the project objectives. This module is developed to train the Landing Center Based Fisheries Conservation Committee (LFCC). The training aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the need and concept of EAFM to the participants for better management of capture fisheries, to enhance their skills and knowledge in developing, implementing, and monitoring EAFM plans, and identify the potential benefits and application of EAFM in decision-making processes related to fisheries in the Bay of Bengal. The training methodology used was interactive, participatory, problem-based, and multi-disciplinary, with case studies, group discussions, and exercises. Participants were provided with training manuals, shown videos, and given case studies from various parts of the world. The training covered essential concepts of sustainable fisheries management, ecosystem-based decision-making, stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, and monitoring and evaluation to support resilient and productive fisheries. The program aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop an EAFM plan and effectively implement it to achieve sustainable fisheries management.