Future for Fishers: Uniting Marine Conservationists for a Sustainable Future in the Indian Ocean
FFN Family Funding allows laureates to visit each other’s projects and learn from each other’s work and vision
In late January 2024, Mohsen Rezaie-Atagholipour (FFN Winner 2021, who is committed to preserving the marine biodiversity, particularly ray and shark populations, in the Persian Gulf) visited fellow FFN laureate Divya Karnad (FFN Winner 2019) who leads InSeason Fish, a pioneering marine conservation initiative that collaborates closely with all stakeholders of the seafood and fishing industries to promote sustainable fisheries practices in India. They share the experience with us.
Overfishing and IUU fishing pose formidable challenges to the sustainability of fisheries and marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean stands as a vital cornerstone of the economies and ecosystems of the nations surrounding it. While the world recognizes the Indian Ocean for its vast hydrocarbon resources, the astonishing biodiversity that thrives within its depths is often overlooked. Recent data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals that fish production in the Indian Ocean surpasses 10 million metric tons annually, representing billions of dollars in value for the countries that border its shores. However, the looming threats of overfishing and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing present formidable challenges to the sustainability of fisheries and marine biodiversity in this region, jeopardizing the livelihoods of coastal communities and the delicate marine ecosystem at large.
At the far western expanse of the Indian Ocean, amidst the warm waters of the Persian Gulf, QECI—a non-profit marine conservancy founded and led by Mohsen Rezaie-Atagholipour —is dedicated to conducting ground-breaking research and engaging with local communities and stakeholders to craft science-driven mitigations for marine conservation challenges in the Persian Gulf. On the opposite end of the ocean, Dr. Divya Karnad leads InSeason Fish, a pioneering marine conservation initiative that collaborates closely with all stakeholders of the seafood and fishing industries to promote sustainable fisheries practices in India. Bridging these two visionary marine conservation projects is the FFN Family Fund, an innovative grant from the Future For Nature Foundation designed to facilitate professional connections among FFN awardees.
In late January 2024, Divya graciously hosted Mohsen in India thanks to the FFN Family Funding, affording him the opportunity to engage with local fishers and seafood establishments, visit fish landing sites, and confer with several marine scientists and conservationists who work with Divya, in vibrant locales such as Goa on the western coast and Chennai on the eastern coast.
Divya and Mohsen visiting a local fish landing site
Divya points out that “Mohsen’s visit was a great opportunity to call together the early and mid-career marine researchers and conservationists who work with me. Although I have a team of over 15 people, we are usually spread across India’s coast and rarely have the opportunity to meet in person. Mohsen’s visit not only led to fruitful discussions between myself and him but also led to ideas that can be taken up by other team members and Mohsen.”
Reflecting on his enriching journey, Mohsen noted, “Our collaboration with Divya has yielded fascinating ideas that not only promise insights into fisheries management within our respective national waters but also hold potential for global applications. Witnessing InSeason Fish’s innovative approach to finding a common language among fishers, seafood businesses, governmental bodies, and other stakeholders in India—a nation teeming with over 1.3 billion inhabitants—has provided invaluable lessons for me. Similarly, delving into the intricacies of fisheries dynamics in the Persian Gulf—the world’s warmest sea—where current sea surface temperatures mirror projections for Indian waters by century’s end, offers crucial insights for developing robust fisheries management strategies in India and beyond in our changing world.”
Mohsen: “Our collaboration with Divya has yielded fascinating ideas that not only promise insights into fisheries management within our respective national waters but also hold potential for global applications. Witnessing InSeason Fish’s innovative approach to finding a common language among fishers, seafood businesses, governmental bodies, and other stakeholders in India—a nation teeming with over 1.3 billion inhabitants—has provided invaluable lessons for me.”
Engaging and educating the fishers of tomorrow: instilling sustainable fishing practices from an early age
Like numerous nations worldwide, fishing stands as a traditional occupation in both Iran and India. It is clear that many children within fishing communities will one day assume the mantle of future fishers. Recognizing this, Mohsen and Divya underscored the imperative to instill sustainable fishing practices from an early age. “While sharing our experiences of engaging with schoolchildren in fishing communities, Divya and I were struck by a revelation: focusing on shaping the attitudes of those who will form the next generation of fishers a decade hence appears to be the most pragmatic pathway to make a difference toward sustainable and nature-friendly fishing practices,” Mohsen emphasized. United in their vision, Divya and Mohsen are diligently working to forge a collaborative partnership that promises to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for fisheries within their shared sphere of influence.
Help us Grow the Future For Nature Family Funding
Future For Nature intents to create a global network of outstanding nature conservationists. In addition to the annual FFN Awards, we offer FFN laureates the opportunity to apply annually for funding for specific types of projects aimed at strengthening the collaboration. You can help us support the FFN Family by making a donation. Thank you!
Photo market visit via Mohsen Rezaie-Atagholipour; Featured image by Francesco Ungaro
