The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying will commemorate World Fisheries Day (WFD) on 21st November 2024 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. Since 2014, India has celebrated this occasion annually to honor the contributions of fisherfolk and fish farmers to the fisheries sector and to promote solidarity among global stakeholders. The 2024 theme, “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries,” reflects India’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
The event will feature the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alongside other esteemed dignitaries such as Shri George Kurian, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and Mr. Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General of the FAO. Participants will include government officials, international delegates, fisheries scientists, academicians, industry leaders, and representatives from the fisheries community, highlighting the event’s global significance.
Key Launches and Initiatives:
The inaugural session will unveil several transformative initiatives aimed at advancing sustainability and efficiency in fisheries:
- 5th Marine Fisheries Census to support data-driven policymaking.
- National Plan of Action (NPOA) on Sharks for sustainable shark management.
- Bay of Bengal Regional Plan of Action (BoB-RPOA) to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing.
- IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project to reduce marine plastic litter.
- SOPs for retrofitted LPG kits to promote energy-efficient fishing fuels.
- New Single Window System (NSWS) for seamless online registration of coastal aquaculture farms.
- Launch of a framework for the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) to integrate carbon-sequestering practices into fisheries and aquaculture.
The event will also recognize outstanding contributions to the fisheries sector by progressive states, individuals, and entrepreneurs.
Technical Sessions:
Two thematic discussions will address critical issues:
- “South-South and Triangular Cooperation: Food Safety and Security through Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture” – This session will explore sustainable strategies for small-scale fisheries, livelihood enhancement, and food security.
- “Climate Change: Challenges in Fisheries and Way Forward” – Experts will discuss climate resilience, mitigation strategies, carbon credits, and waste management in fisheries.
Background:
The fisheries sector is integral to global food security, supporting 61.8 million livelihoods worldwide. India, as the second-largest fish producer and a leader in inland capture fisheries and shrimp production, has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Fish production rose from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, reflecting an impressive annual growth rate of 9%, the highest among agriculture and allied sectors.
India’s efforts, backed by government investments of ₹38,572 crore through schemes like the Blue Revolution, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, and PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana, have been pivotal in uplifting marginalized and tribal communities. Small-scale fisheries have played a vital role in ensuring food security, poverty alleviation, and economic support, particularly in rural and coastal regions.
Significance of World Fisheries Day 2024:
The event will serve as a platform for sharing insights, fostering partnerships, and promoting sustainable practices in fisheries. It will highlight best practices, research advancements, and opportunities for international trade in aquaculture and seafood, reaffirming India’s leadership in sustainable fisheries development globally.
