The Department of Fisheries (DoF), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is gearing up to celebrate World Fisheries Day (WFD) on November 21, 2024. This annual observance, initiated in 2014, highlights the invaluable contributions of fisherfolk and fish farmers while fostering global solidarity among stakeholders in the fisheries sector. This year’s theme, India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries, highlights the country’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices and empowering small-scale fisheries.
The event, hosted at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, will witness the presence of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alongside other prominent leaders, including George Kurian, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and Manuel Barange from the FAO. Joining them will be a diverse group of participants, from ambassadors and international delegates to fisheries scientists, researchers, and industry leaders, underscoring the event's global significance.
World Fisheries Day 2024 will feature an exciting agenda that includes the launch of transformative initiatives. Key among these is the 5th Marine Fisheries Census, designed to support data-driven policymaking. Additionally, the National Plan of Action on Sharks and the Bay of Bengal-Regional Plan of Action on IUU Fishing will address sustainable shark management and combat illegal fishing.
Other highlights include the IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project to tackle marine plastic pollution and Standard Operating Procedures for retrofitted LPG kits aimed at promoting energy-efficient marine fishing. A new Single Window System by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority will also be introduced, streamlining online registration for aquaculture farms.
To build on the existing momentum, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be exchanged to establish a framework for the Voluntary Carbon Market in the fisheries sector, aiming to utilize carbon-sequestering practices. Furthermore, states, Union Territories, and individuals excelling in fisheries and aquaculture will be recognized for their contributions.
The event will also host two crucial technical sessions: one focusing on food safety, security, and sustainable fisheries under South-South and Triangular Cooperation, and the other addressing climate change challenges and resilience-building strategies in the fisheries sector. These sessions aim to pave the way for futuristic strategies, including leveraging carbon credits, enhancing traceability, and addressing plastic management.
Fisheries and aquaculture play a crucial role in global food security and livelihoods, supporting 61.8 million people worldwide and achieving a record production of 223.2 million tonnes in 2022. India, as the second-largest fish producer, contributes 8% of global fish produce and leads in inland capture fish and shrimp production.
Over the past decade, the Government of India has invested Rs 38,572 crore through initiatives like the Blue Revolution Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, driving sectoral growth, uplifting marginalized communities, and increasing fish production from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
