Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, inaugurated the ‘International Conclave on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance and Strengthening Fisheries Management Measures in the Indo-Pacific Region’ at Mahabalipuram, Chennai. The event, taking place from October 17th to 19th, 2023, is a collaborative effort between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO).
The conclave aims to develop guidelines for climate-resilient fisheries management and strategies for integrating climate change into international fisheries governance. Notable officials in attendance included Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, and Ms. Neetu Prasad, Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries.
In his address, Shri Parshottam Rupala emphasized the need to address climate change’s impact on fisheries. He called for inclusive cooperation to confront the climate crisis in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and highlighted the shared opportunities and challenges faced by the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The Minister expressed gratitude to FAO for co-hosting the workshop, recognizing its potential to benefit fisher communities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Shri Rupala spoke about the transformative changes brought about by the Indian Government in the fisheries sector over the last nine years. He discussed the development and modernization of fishing harbors and landing centers, the growth of entrepreneurship and employment, and the creation of a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu.
The Minister emphasized the fisheries sector’s economic significance, generating livelihoods for over 2.8 crore fishers and fish farmers. He highlighted the substantial growth in seafood exports and shrimp exports, focusing on the comprehensive support provided to fisher families and fishers’ insurance coverage.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi provided insights into initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to address climate change in the fisheries sector. The session included discussions on the status of Indian fisheries concerning climate change, adaptation strategies, and India’s preparedness for climate change in marine fisheries.
The event welcomed dignitaries, including Dr. Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, Dr. Piero Mannini, Senior Fisheries Officer at FAO, Dr. Darius Campbell, Chair of the Regional Fisheries Bodies Secretariat Network, and Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP-IGO. Discussions emphasized the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and gender inclusiveness in the fisheries sector. The conclave represents a significant effort to address climate change’s impact on fisheries and strengthen international fisheries governance in the Indo-Pacific Region.
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