Report of the Workshop on Extension Service Requirements in Small-Scale Fisheries.  BOBP/REP/6

Report of the Workshop on Extension Service Requirements in Small-Scale Fisheries. BOBP/REP/6

Descripción

The main objectives of the existing fisheries extension services in the Bay of Bengal region include increasing fish production, promoting fish culture, improving the socio-economic status of fisher-folk, introducing new habits and attitudes among them. To promote these objectives, extension services in the region undertake many activities : they support programmes for mechanization of fishing craft, hold audiovisual demonstrations, publish literature, conduct training programmes, help organize cooperative societies and provide welfare facilities. In some areas they are also involved in compiling statistics and collecting revenue. Problems faced by the extension service include financial constraints, very poor transport facilities, absence of a satisfactory monitoring mechanism, resistance to change on the part of, fishermen. The work plan of an extension service should be based on a country’s development objectives. If high employment is desired, the service should concentrate on artisanal fisheries and seek high community participation with a low technology and capital input. If higher production is the main objective, the extension service should opt to strengthen productivity through improved small-scale or industrial fisheries.