The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) organized a regional webinar titled “Climate Change and Fisheries in South Asia” on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, bringing together experts from across the region to discuss the growing impact of climate change on marine and freshwater fisheries and possible adaptation strategies.
The event featured two keynote speakers: Sevvandi Jayakody, Chair Professor in the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, and B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, India.
Dr. B. K. Das explained that climate variability is increasingly affecting freshwater fisheries, altering river flows and aquatic habitats. He emphasized the importance of adaptive management and sustainable use of aquatic resources to address these emerging challenges.
Dr. Sevvandi Jayakody highlighted that marine and coastal fisheries are being affected by rising sea temperatures, extreme weather events, and oceanic changes. She stressed the need for stronger scientific research and enhanced regional cooperation to mitigate these impacts.
In his welcome remarks, SAC Director Md. Harunur Rashid noted that climate change is increasingly affecting fisheries and aquatic ecosystems across South Asia. He pointed out that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, and deteriorating water quality are placing additional pressure on fish production and the livelihoods of millions who depend on the sector. He underscored the importance of regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint research to build climate-resilient fisheries systems.
In his concluding remarks, Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, emphasized the vital role of regional cooperation in tackling climate change impacts on fisheries. He noted that fisheries remain crucial for food security, nutrition, and livelihoods across South Asia and called for stronger 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. He highlighted several challenges faced by fisheries in South Asia, including salinity intrusion in coastal regions, shifting hydrological patterns, and increasing climate variability. He stressed the need for integrated management approaches and regional partnerships to sustain fisheries resources and protect fishing communities.
The webinar concluded with an interactive discussion where participants from different SAARC countries shared experiences and perspectives on addressing climate change impacts in the fisheries sector. Experts agreed that coordinated regional action and climate-smart management practices will be essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries in South Asia.
