World Fisheries Day 2024: History, Significance, and the Journey Toward a Sustainable Aquatic Future

World Fisheries Day, celebrated annually on November 21, serves as a reminder of the vital role fisheries play in supporting global food security, livelihoods, and aquatic biodiversity. Established in 1997 by the World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers, this day brings attention to sustainable fishing practices, the rights of small-scale fishers, and the need to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.

History and Significance of World Fisheries Day

The first World Fisheries Day was marked when representatives from 18 countries met in New Delhi to form the World Fisheries Forum. The forum’s declaration highlighted sustainable fishing, conservation of aquatic resources, and equitable policies for small-scale fishers.

The Day sheds light on critical challenges such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and illegal fishing practices, which threaten the health of oceans and rivers. It also highlights the importance of empowering marginalized fishing communities, ensuring their economic stability and well-being.

India’s Role in Global Fisheries

India is the third largest fish producer in the world and the second largest in aquaculture after China. The country has established itself as a leader in fisheries and aquaculture. Additionally, India is the world's largest producer of shrimp, which plays a significant role in its seafood export earnings.

The fisheries sector in India:

• Supports livelihoods: Around 30 million people, especially in rural and coastal areas, rely on fishing for their income.

• Promotes food security: Fisheries contribute to domestic nutritional needs and are vital to the global food system.

• Drives economic growth: With initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the sector has evolved into a significant driver of rural development and employment.

World Fisheries Day 2024 Theme

This year’s theme, “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries,” highlights the country's dedication to sustainable development in this sector. The event is hosted by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. It will focus on innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing fisheries and aquaculture practices.

The celebrations feature several impactful initiatives focused on sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation. Key highlights include the launch of the Marine Fisheries Census to enable data-driven policymaking and the National Plan of Action (NPOA) on Sharks to strengthen shark conservation efforts. Additionally, the Bay of Bengal-Regional Plan of Action (BoB-RPOA) seeks to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while the IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership focuses on tackling marine plastic pollution. To streamline processes, a Single Window System for aquaculture registration has been introduced, simplifying coastal aquaculture farm registrations and fostering ease of operations in the sector. Technical sessions will focus on climate change challenges in fisheries, potential mitigation strategies, and opportunities such as carbon credits and plastic management.

India’s Achievements in Fisheries

India's fisheries sector, traditionally focused on marine resources, has seen a significant shift toward inland fisheries, now contributing nearly 70% of the nation’s total fish production. This transformation has been driven by the development of culture-based fisheries in ponds and tanks, supported by programs like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aim to boost productivity from 3 tonnes per hectare to 5 tonnes per hectare across 2.36 million hectares of rearing and grow-out pond areas.

Additionally, shrimp farming has emerged as a key contributor to seafood exports, utilizing 1.42 million hectares of saline and brackish water areas. Meanwhile, cold water fisheries in the Himalayan states are capitalizing on niche markets by rearing high-value species like trout, creating new employment opportunities and adding to the sector's overall growth.

Government Investments and Schemes

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Launched in 2020, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship initiative aimed at transforming India's fisheries sector. The scheme focuses on enhancing aquaculture productivity, creating 55 lakh jobs, doubling fisheries exports to Rs 1 lakh crore, and building robust infrastructure, including the establishment of five integrated aquaparks. Additionally, it emphasizes reducing seafood waste and promoting sustainable practices to ensure long-term growth and environmental balance in the sector.

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Introduced in 2018-19, FIDF provides financial support covering up to 80% of project costs, with interest subventions of up to 3%, aiding fish farmers and entrepreneurs.

• Blue Revolution Scheme: The Blue Revolution Integrated Development and Management Fisheries Scheme, launched in 2015-16, emphasizes increasing fish production and resource optimization.

• ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE): As a hub for research and capacity building, CIFE has trained over 4,000 professionals, driving innovation in sustainable fish farming practices, fish health, and aquatic nutrition.

Sustainable Fisheries

India’s approach to sustainable fisheries is guided by the National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF, 2017), which underscores resource conservation and sustainability.

Key measures include:

• Fishing Ban: A 61-day monsoon ban in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to replenish stocks.

• Regulation of Practices: Prohibition of destructive methods like pair trawling and LED light usage in fishing.

• Mariculture and Artificial Reefs: Encouraging sea ranching, artificial reefs, and seaweed cultivation.

• State Regulations: Coastal states implement measures such as gear size limits and zoning of fishing areas.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Addressing Climate Change: Fisheries face significant threats from climate change, including warming waters and habitat loss. Initiatives such as developing carbon credit markets and promoting renewable energy solutions aim to mitigate these impacts.

• Combatting Pollution: Programs like the GloLitter Partnership address marine plastic pollution, ensuring cleaner aquatic environments.

• Maximizing Untapped Potential: With only 13% of brackish water resources utilized, India has immense scope to expand sustainable aquaculture practices in saline areas.

World Fisheries Day is more than a celebration; it is a call to action for governments, communities, and organizations worldwide. With robust policy frameworks, increased investments, and sustainable practices, India’s fisheries sector is poised to play a pivotal role in securing global food systems and protecting aquatic ecosystems.