World Fisheries Day (WFD) is observed annually across the globe on 21 November to emphasize the value of sustainable fishing practices and to raise awareness about safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing.
- 21st November 2025 marks the 28th WFD.
Exam Hints:
- What? World Fisheries Day 2025
- When? 21 November 2025
- 1st Observance: 21 November 1998
- 2025 Theme in India: “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports.”
- Key Launch: National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture.
- India’s Rank: Second-largest fish-producing country globally.
- Flagship Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Background:
Formation: On 21st November 1997, working fishermen and women representing the World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers met in New Delhi (Delhi) and established the World Fisheries Forum (WFF).
Declaration: During the meeting, representatives from 18 countries signed a declaration advocating the global adoption of sustainable fishing practices and policies.
First Celebration: The first ever WFD was celebrated on 21st November 1998.
2025 Event in India:
Event: On 21st November 2025, the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD), celebrated WFD 2025 at at Sushma Swaraj Bhawanin New Delhi (Delhi) to Strengthen Marine Resources and Livelihoods.
Theme 2025: “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports.”
Key People: The event was attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, MoFAHD; Ministers of State (MoS) Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, MoFAHD; Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the DoF, MoFAHD; Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) India Representative Takayuki Hagiwara.
India Unveiled National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture 2025
The DoF, MoFAHD, released the National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture 2025 under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) along with key initiatives including Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) for Mariculture, SOP on Development and Management of Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours, SOP on Development of Minimum Basic Infrastructure at Marine Fish Landing Centres, Guidelines for Reservoir Fisheries Management, and a Compendium of Coastal Aquaculture Guidelines to modernize infrastructure, strengthen sustainability, and accelerate value addition across the sector.
Digital Traceability: A national digital traceability system has been established for seafood products.
Technology Integration: The system incorporates blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Quick Response (QR) codes, and Global Positioning System (GPS).
Inclusivity: Small-scale fishers and farmers are included in the traceability initiatives.
Real-Time Tracking: Seafood products can now be tracked from “farm to plate” and “catch to consumer” in real time.
Food Safety & Sustainability: The framework supports food safety, sustainable practices, and global market access.
Export Promotion: The initiatives aim to modernize infrastructure and scale seafood exports to Rs.1 Lakh Crore by 2030, positioning India as a leading global seafood processing hub.
India’s Fisheries Sector Progress:
Production: India’s total fish production more than doubled from 96 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
Exports: Marine product exports increased by 11.08% from USD 0.81 billion in October 2024 to USD 0.90 billion in October 2025.
GST Reform: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on key fish products was reduced from 12% to 5% to boost domestic consumption and export competitiveness.
Major Government Initiatives:
PMMSY: A flagship scheme, launched in 2020, with an investment of Rs 20,312 crore (2020-21 to 2025-26) for infrastructure development, including cold storages, ice plants, and fish transport facilities.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY): Central Sector sub-scheme under PMMSY, was launched on 8th February 2024 with an allocated investment of Rs.6,000 crore for FY 2023–24 to FY 2026–27.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Established in 2018 with a corpus of Rs.7,522.48 crore and extended from FY 2023–24 to FY 2025–26, FIDF aims to promote fisheries infrastructure by providing concessional loans with 3% interest subvention.Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules 2025: Regulates deep-sea fishing to promote sustainability and prioritize Fishermen Cooperative Societies.
Fisheries Department Excellence Award 2025:
District Excellence: Kasaragod district (Kerala) was honored with the Fisheries Department Excellence Award 2025 and named the best district in Kerala for its outstanding performance and effective implementation of fisheries development projects under the Popular Fish Farming Project.
Individual Achievements: Ravi P.P. of Padanna won second place for Best Backwater Fish Seed Production Farmer, and Sea Pearl Aquafarm, Kumbala, secured third place for Best Innovative Fish Farming.
About Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD):
Union Minister– Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh (Constituency- Munger, Bihar)
Ministers of State (MoS)– Professor. S.P. Singh Baghel (Constituency- Agra, Uttar Pradesh, UP); George Kurian ( Rajya Sabha – Madhya Pradesh, MP)
