Established in January 1979, the Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP) is a one-stop solution for small-scale marine fisheries development in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) region. The Organisation boasts of a 22-seater library, well equipped with high-speed internet connection, computer and conference facilities and multi-media. However, the jewel in the crown is its large collection of books, reports, journals, awareness and publicity material collected/received from around the world and especially from countries bordering the BoB.
Given the Organisation’s pioneering activities in progressing fisheries sector in the region, many documents in the library are also commentary on the process of fisheries development in the BoB region and an information mine for students, researchers and development people from both government and non-government sectors. For an inquisitive mind, the library offers the opportunity of studying comparative development processes in the region and unique challenges faced by the countries- most of which are still relevant.
A particularly prized collection is the hundreds of manuals, guidebooks, reports, and designs (original blueprints) on development of various fishing crafts in region. The BOBP made a very significant contribution in kick starting the modernization of fishing craft in the BoB countries, introduction of FRP material for boat-building, installing ice boxes on board fishing vessels as also for use in retail marketing. The lessons documented in the process have proved valuable in our and our partners’ continuous engagement in improving fishing technology in the region.
Fishing community has been at the core of all BOBP activities and the library has extensive collection on rapid appraisal, non-formal and adult education, community-based fisheries management and women in fisheries.
The library, besides print material, is also a repository of audio-visual material, painstakingly collected and archived from different countries around the world. The audio-visual documentaries of the Organisation are freely available in our YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/BOBPIGO
The library has a regular flow of visitors from local institutions as also from outside and we welcome more and more people to visit the library and benefit from the treasures that it houses.
We will also keep updating on the new arrivals in the library from time to time.