The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) on Tuesday organised a regional webinar focusing on the growing impacts of climate change on fisheries across South Asia and the need for coordinated adaptation strategies.
Titled “Climate Change and Fisheries in South Asia,” the virtual event brought together regional experts and policymakers to discuss emerging risks to marine and freshwater fisheries and explore ways to strengthen climate-resilient fisheries systems.
Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to revitalise SAARC process
In his welcome remarks, SAC Director Md. Harunur Rashid said climate change is increasingly affecting fisheries and aquatic ecosystems across South Asia, posing new challenges to fish production and the livelihoods of millions who depend on the sector.
“Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods and changes in water quality are putting additional pressure on fisheries resources,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen regional collaboration, knowledge sharing and research to build climate-resilient fisheries systems.
Among the keynote speakers, BK Das, Director of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), said climate variability is significantly affecting freshwater fisheries by altering river flows and aquatic habitats.
He emphasised the importance of adaptive management practices and sustainable resource use to safeguard inland fisheries in the region.
Another speaker, Sevvandi Jayakody, Chair Professor at the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, highlighted the growing vulnerability of marine and coastal fisheries.
She said rising sea temperatures and extreme weather events are increasingly affecting marine ecosystems and fish stocks, underscoring the need for stronger research collaboration and regional knowledge sharing.
In his concluding remarks, Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate change impacts on fisheries.
He noted that fisheries play a crucial role in ensuring food security, nutrition and livelihoods across South Asia and called for enhanced collaboration among SAARC member states to promote sustainable and climate-resilient fisheries management.
The webinar was moderated by Md Shariful Islam, Senior Program Specialist (Fisheries) at SAC, who highlighted key regional challenges including salinity intrusion in coastal areas, changing hydrological patterns and increasing climate variability.
He also emphasised the need for integrated management approaches and coordinated regional action to protect fisheries resources and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion where participants from different SAARC countries shared experiences and perspectives on addressing climate change impacts in the fisheries sector, stressing that climate-smart management and regional cooperation will be essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries in South Asia.