To protect & conserve the threatened marine resources and to raise the alternate livelihood for the fisher folk, a common platform is highly essential. To fill this need, in 2004, an informal body was created called the Orissa Marine Resource Conservation Consortium (OMRCC). Its members include Fish Workers’ Unions of Orissa, Conservation Organization, Development NGOs, Turtle Biologists and individuals interested in Sea turtle conservations measures and/ or sustainable fisheries in Orissa. As a collective the OMRCC can boast of various resources, skills and expertise among a multitude of other diverse strengths in recognition of the diversity of its members and their independent positions and approaches to ensure that Marine conservation action in Orissa is a coordinated, collective, consensual and cooperative effort.

• To reduce and prevent the over exploitation of marine resources of Orissa.
• To work towards sustainable livelihoods for traditional fisher folk in Orissa.
• To promote and facilitate collaborative sea turtle and fishery resource conservation actions in Orissa.
• To develop conflict management mechanism to address fisheries and conservation related issues in Orissa.
• To advocate against polluting activities and environmentally unsustainable development practices in the coastal areas of Orissa.

With the help from Fish workers’ Unions, Conservation groups, NGOs and Scientists, the OMRCC aims at synthesizing and upgrading conservation efforts, socio-ecological monitoring programs and policy advocacy towards appropriate marine conservation approaches in Orissa.

Coastal fishing communities (Bengali, Oriya and Telugu speaking) from the traditional (artisanal) fishing sector in Orissa, India. In Kendrapara district, these include the villages of Kharanasi, RamNagar, Badatubi, Kajalpatia, Hariabanka and Barajbahakuda. In Puri district, these include Gundalaba, Sahana, Daluakani, Anakana, Ainsinia and Sudhikeshwar. In Ganjam it includes Podampeta, Gokhurkuda and Nolia Nuagaon. Each of these villages will be assessed to identify suitable demonstration sites for the micro-enterprises activities. And ecotourism and other alternate livelihood activities.

• To reduce and prevent the over exploitation of marine resources of Orissa.
• To protect the rights of the traditional fisherfolk in Orissa.
• To define the rights, resources, responsibility and roles of the various stake holders in marine conservation in Orissa.
• To work towards sustainable livelihoods of traditional fisherfolk in Orissa.
• To promote and engage in the conservation of threatened marine life in Orissa.
• To conduct periodic assessments of the effectiveness of sea turtle conservation measures in Orissa.
• To conduct periodic assessments of the impacts of sea turtle conservation measures on the livelihoods of fisherfolk of Orissa.
• To promote and facilitate collaborative sea turtle and fishery resource conservation actions in Orissa.
• To evolve and promote a common sea turtle conservation strategy developed by various stakeholders represented in the OMRCC.
• To develop conflict management mechanisms to address fisheries and conservation related issues in Orissa.
• To advocate against polluting activities and environmentally unsustainable development practices in the coastal areas of Orissa.
• To define and promote indigenous, innovative technology for sustainable harvesting of marine resources.
• To develop eco-friendly indigenous markets for marine resources of Orissa.
• To liase with the state government, NGOs, central government, CEC, fishing communities and other policy level institution and bodies to achieve the objectives of the OMRCC.

BROCHURE OMRCC CCD

OMRCC Bird's Eye View

OMRCC submission for SCMC, June 6, 2006