Bay of Bengal Countries Launch Fisheries Research Network (BOB-NOR)

India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives jointly launched the Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR) on 5 November 2026 in Kochi, Kerala. The initiative aims to strengthen scientific cooperation, promote sustainable fisheries management and address the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

The network was launched during an international meeting at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), alongside an international symposium on fisheries and remote sensing.

Key Highlights

Participating countries: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives.
Network: Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR).
Launch location: Kochi, Kerala.
Coordinating organisation: Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO).
Main objective: Climate-resilient and science-based fisheries management.

Objectives and Significance

The initiative will bring together marine scientists, oceanographers and fisheries researchers to examine how ocean conditions influence fish populations and their migration patterns.

Researchers will integrate satellite observations, oceanographic surveys and fisheries data to understand the effects of sea surface temperature, salinity, monsoon patterns, ocean currents and marine productivity.

The network is expected to improve scientific advisories for fishing communities, encourage sustainable fishing practices and support regional cooperation in managing shared marine resources.

Important Facts for Exams

Question	Answer
BOB-NOR full form	Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries
Number of founding countries	Four
Launch city	Kochi
Coordinating body	BOBP-IGO
Host research institute	ICAR-CMFRI