Parshottam Rupala will Inaugurate 'Sagar Parikrama' on March 5, 2022

Oceans, which cover nearly three-fourths of the earth's surface, are critical to the economies, security, and livelihoods of lakhs of communities in India, which has a 8,118-kilometer coastline spanning nine states and four Union Territories, an official statement said on Tuesday.

According to the Centre, it is at the forefront of transforming the fisheries sector by developing fisheries management plans as well as a regulatory framework to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.

About Sagar Parikrama

According to a release from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, an evolutionary journey of 'Sagar Parikrama' across the coastal belt is now planned to demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolk, fish farmers, and stakeholders concerned in the spirit of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat.'

The journey of 'Sagar Parikrama' will focus on achieving a sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for national food security, the livelihoods of coastal fisher communities, and the protection of marine ecosystems, according to the statement.

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, will launch the programme on March 5. On March 6, the first leg will begin in Gujarat's Mandvi and end in the state's Porbandar.

It will be organized by the Union Ministry of Fisheries and the National Fisheries Development Board, in collaboration with the Gujarat Department of Fisheries, the Indian Coast Guard, the Fishery Survey of India, the Gujarat Maritime Board, and fishermen representatives.

The Parikrama, which is part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' is an attempt to learn about the problems of coastal fishermen. In subsequent phases, it will be held in other districts of Gujarat as well as other states/UTs.

State fisheries officials, fishermen representatives, fish-farmers entrepreneurs, stakeholders, professionals, officials, and scientists from across the country will accompany it.

Certificates/sanctions related to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme (PMMSY), KCC, and state schemes will be awarded to progressive fishermen, particularly coastal fishermen, fishers and fish farmers, young fishery entrepreneurs, and so on.