Font size:
Print
World Fisheries Day (WFD)
Context:
The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is set to celebrate World Fisheries Day (WFD) on 21st November 2024. The Theme for 2024 is India’s Blue Transformation – Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries
Importance of World Fisheries Day:
- Recognises the critical contributions of fisherfolk and fish farmers to the fisheries sector.
- Shows global solidarity with all stakeholders in fisheries.
- Celebrated annually since 2014 by the Department of Fisheries (DoF), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D).
Event Objectives:
- Promote sustainability and growth of small-scale fisheries.
- Emphasise ecological conservation and improved livelihoods for fisherfolk.
Participation – The event will include:
- Senior government officials and ambassadors from multiple countries.
- International delegates and organisations related to fisheries.
- Fisher communities, researchers, academicians, and global scientists.
- Industry leaders, technology investors, and export councils.
- Fisher associations, financial institutions, and R&D organisations.
Launch of Key Initiatives during the event :
- 5th Marine Fisheries Census: Collecting detailed data to improve policymaking.
- National Plan of Action (NPOA) on Sharks: Introducing sustainable shark management practices.
- Bay of Bengal Regional Plan of Action (BoB-RPOA): Aiming to prevent Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing.
-
- IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project: Combating marine plastic pollution.
- Standard Operating Procedures for Retrofitted LPG Kits: Promoting cost-efficient and eco-friendly fishing fuel options.
- New Single Window System (NSWS): Simplifying online registration of coastal aquaculture farms.
- MoU Signing for Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM): Implementing practices to utilise carbon sequestration in fisheries and aquaculture.
Importance of the Initiative:
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
- Encouraging partnerships across fisheries stakeholders.
- Discussing research, innovation, and best practices in the sector.
- Promoting global trade in aquaculture and seafood.
- Showcasing achievements and unlocking untapped potential in the fisheries industry.
Background: Importance of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Global Role of Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Fisheries and aquaculture are essential for global food and nutritional security.
- Support the livelihoods of 61.8 million people worldwide.
- Achieved a record production of 223.2 million tonnes in 2022, highlighting its critical role in sustaining ecosystems, economies, and communities.
India’s Contribution to Global Fisheries
-
- India is the second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing 8% of global fish production.
- Leads globally in inland capture fish and shrimp production.
Government of India’s Transformative Initiatives
Investments in the Fisheries Sector (2015-2024)
- Total investment of ₹38,572 crore through major schemes:
- Blue Revolution Scheme
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)
Impacts of Government Initiatives
- Sectoral Growth: Fish production surged from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.The fisheries sector recorded an annual growth rate of 9%, the highest in agriculture and allied sectors.
- Community Upliftment: Benefited fishers, fish farmers, fisherwomen, and marginalised communities, including tribal populations.
Contribution of Small-Scale Fisheries in India:
- Play a vital role in food security, nutrition, and poverty alleviation, especially in rural and coastal regions.
- Generate income and support livelihoods, particularly in developing nations like India.
- Offer significant opportunities to enhance their recognition and amplify their contribution to sustainable fisheries growth.
