As a first step toward promoting implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, a National Workshop on the subject was organised by the BOBP in association with the Government oflndia at Chennai during 29-30 September 2000. The Workshop brought together the most senior fisheries administrators working with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and the State and Union Territory Governments, scientists and experts from fisheries institutions, and representatives from national and international NGOs. The objectives of the Workshop were to fully familiarise government functionaries with the elements of the Code and the technical guidelines that have been prepared by FAO to assist member-countries in implementing the Code. The output of the Workshop - an agreed plan of action for operationalising the Code.
The two-day Workshop highlighted several problems concerning implementation of the Code in a large country like India. Keeping in view the strengths and weaknesses ofnational and state governments, the vastness of the country and the diverse and highly complex demographic and socio-political fabric, the planners and experts concluded that massive efforts would be needed to take the Code to the grassroots level quickly in India..read more