Report of the national stakeholder consultation workshop on Sri Lanka NPOA for the conservation and management of sharks, 03 December, 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The objectives of the workshop were to; ensure shark catches were sustainable; assess threats to shark populations; identify vulnerable shark stocks; protect biodiversity; improve consultation involving stakeholders; minimize waste a discards and facilitate monitoring and landings data.

Report of the postgraduate certificate course on integrated coastal management, Bangkok, Thailand, 21 January - 1 March, 2013

Student projects included: conservation and protection of critical coral habitats in Phuket; assessing the carrying capacity on conservation and protection strategies; proactive stakeholder strategy to tackle an environmental threat; improving the environmental management through participation and sustainable freshwater management. All of these projects were conducted on Racha Yai Island in Phuket.

Monitoring and evaluation of management effectiveness for adaptive management of MPAs in Indonesia's BOBLME area

Subcomponent 3.2 Marine Protected Areas in the conservation of regional fish stocks "Provision of Services Relating to the Assessment and Planning of Effective Management of two MPAs in Sumatra Coast, Indonesia". Assessments of management effectiveness of two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Pulau Pieh National Park and Sabang District, Sumatra, were conducted through two separate workshops. Recommendations were made and future needs identified.

Report of the Marine Protected Areas Working Group meeting, Penang, Malaysia, 11-12 February, 2014

The objectives of the workshop were to review and update Marine Protected Area (MPA) data, finalise policy briefs for each country and recommend future actions and policies for sustainable management of MPAs.

An exploratory ecosystem model of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

The study's aim was to develop and ecosystem model of the Bay of Bengal built with Ecopath and Ecoism software.The Ecopath model was built to represent 1978 and synthesise available population dynamics and fisheries data. A preliminary Ecoism was set up to explore interactions between functional groups and the impact of fishing.

An exploratory ecosystem model of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

The study's aim was to develop and ecosystem model of the Bay of Bengal built with Ecopath and Ecoism software.The Ecopath model was built to represent 1978 and synthesise available population dynamics and fisheries data. A preliminary Ecoism was set up to explore interactions between functional groups and the impact of fishing.

Report of the MPA Atlas and the interactive online database portal of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

This report describes the process and details of developing an interactive online database portal for the BOBLME region.The MPA (Marine Protected Area) Atlas website, created by WorldFish was designed to provide public access to the latest information relevant to marine scientists, managers and conservationists. The main features include; BOBLME MPA database;interactive geospatial maps;and information about important habitats such as coral reefs,BOBLME boundaries and bathymetry.

Report of the sub-regional workshop to validate the scoping study of nutrient pollution on the coastal and marine systems of South Asia, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 21-22 May, 2014

The workshop agenda included: presentations from collaborative institutions, national governments and resource persons; a draft scoping study on nutrient loading; and an ecosystem approach to pollution management was tested.

Understanding nutrient loading and sources in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

Inputs of nitrogen, phosphorous and dissolved silica from watersheds draining into the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem are calculated for the present day and predictions made for 2030 and 2050 are presented. The major sources are identified and the Indicator of Coastal Eutrophication (ICEP) is calculated.

Survey of shark fisheries and preparation of a National Plan of Action (NPOA) for conservation and management of shark resources in Bangladesh

The report presents; terms of reference; work progress; surveys of shark fishers and traders; shark biodiversity survey; and a National Plan of Action (NPOA) for conservation and management of shark resources in Bangladesh.

Report of the workshop on assessing governance in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem, Bangkok, Thailand, 28-30 October, 2014

The objective of the workshop was to begin a structured discussion on regional governance in the BOBLME, drawing on lessons from a region with similar issues, the Carribean. Conclusions were made about principles, regional governance arrangements, national-regional interface and national science-policy interfaces. Future work was also planned.

Report of the training programme on Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM): developing capacity in the EAFM, Chennai, India, 11-16 August, 2014

Participants were exposed to concepts and information about EAFM using a structured, participatory method of delivery. The learning strategy involved specifically designed exercises, using real examples, to consolidate learning. Daily monitoring and reviews were conducted together with pre-and post-course assessment.

Assessing, demonstrating and capturing the economic value of marine & coastal ecosystem services in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

The objective of the study was to assess the economic value of ecosystem services in the Bay of Bengal.The manin aim was to support the development of a Strategic Action Plan (SAP). Findings included: economic consequences of ecosystem change; potential economic instruments to strengthen sustainable management; and recommendations on next steps in using economic valuation.

Enhancing capacity of fishing communities for resource management

International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) undertook capacity development in six locations in five countries (India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Thailand). Six workshops were undertaken to help communities develop proposals for the conservation and sustainable uses of fisheries resources.

Report of the BOBLME Regional Fisheries Management Advisory Committee, Bangkok, Thailand, 25-26 June, 2012

The role of the Regional Fisheries Management Advisory Committee (RFMAC) is to interpret information and deliver ecosystem based fisheries management advice. The meeting was able to deliver Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) advisories for the hilsa and Indian Mackerel fisheries.