LEGAL INSTRUMENTS IN FISHERIES SECTOR OF NEPAL

Abstract

Aquaculture is one of Nepal’s fastest-growing agricultural subsectors. The current total national fish production is 77,000 mt, with capture fisheries accounting for 28% and aquaculture accounting for 72%. Modern aquaculture and fisheries practices contribute nearly 1% of GDP and 2.68 % of Agriculture GDP (AGDP). This sub-positive sector’s performance, in contrast to others whose contribution to GDP has declined over time, suggests its popularity among farmers. Fisheries and aquaculture education, research, and extension policies are extensions of the main national agriculture policy. Fisheries and aquaculture are a thriving sub-sector of Nepal’s agriculture sector, with high growth potential but limited organizational capacity. The Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) is mandated to conduct fisheries and aquaculture research. Overall, the country’s fisheries activities are primarily governed by the government’s policy strategy. As the focal institution, the Directorate of Fisheries Development of His Majesty’s Government of Nepal formulates and implements national fisheries and aquaculture development plans and programs approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The primary goal of the national fisheries policies and acts is to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction through inclusive, equity-based, and ecosystem-based aquaculture practices (EAA). Specific laws and legislation on aquaculture development must be drafted or enforced to build capacity and facilitate entrepreneurship. Furthermore, Best Management Practices (BMPs) must be identified and implemented for the sub-sector to grow sustainably.