World Fisheries Day is annually observed across the globe on 21st November to demonstrate solidarity with the members of the fisher community, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders across the world.
- 21st November 2023 marks the 26th World Fisheries Day.
The theme for World Fisheries Day 2023 is “Celebrating the Wealth of Fisheries and Aquaculture.”
Background:
i.On 21st November 1997, the working fishermen and women representing World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers met at New Delhi, Delhi and established the World Fisheries Forum (WFF).
ii.During the meet, representatives from 18 countries signed a declaration advocating for global adoption of sustainable fishing practices and policies.
iii.To commemorate this day, the 21st November of every year is observed as World Fisheries Day.
- The first ever World Fisheries Day was observed on 21st November 1998.
Significance:
i.The day highlights the serious threats to the sustainability of our marine and freshwater resources such as overfishing, habitat destruction and other.
ii.The day also stresses the need for sustainable fishing practices and responsible management of marine resources to conserve aquatic ecosystems.
2023 Events in India:
To commemorate World Fisheries Day 2023, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) hosted the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat from on 21st to 22nd November 2023.
- The conference was held under the theme ‘Celebrate the Fisheries and Aquaculture Wealth’.
Note:
On 16th November 2023, during the curtain raiser event, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, MOFADH, unveiled the event logo which symbolizes the Indian Fisheries Sector is achieving newer heights globally and significant contribution of the fishers and fishermen communities in nation building.
Key Points:
i.China remained the world’s largest seafood producer in 2022, with production estimated at 67.5 million metric tons (MMT).
ii.Indonesia is the second-largest marine fish producer in the world after China.
iii.India, the third-largest producer of fish, accounts to 8% to global fish production.
- India’s fish production reached 162.48 lakh tonnes in 2021-22.
- The top fish producing states of India(as per ranking) are Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Blue Revolution:
i.The Blue Revolution, also known as the Neel Kranti Mission, was a government initiative launched in India in 1985-1990 during the 7th Five-Year Plan (FYP).
ii.It aimed to boost the country’s fisheries sector by increasing fish production, productivity, and employment opportunities.
iii.Hiralal Chaudhuri and Dr. Arun Krishnsnan are known as Father of Blue revolution in India.
About Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying:
Union Minister – Parshottam Rupala (Rajya Sabha- Gujarat )
Minister of State (MoS) – Sanjeev Kumar Balyan; L. Murugan
