World Fisheries Day (WFD) is annually observed across the globe on 21st November to highlight the importance of sustainable fisheries and the need to protect aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
- 21st November 2024 marks the 27th World Fisheries Day.
Background:
i.On 21st November 1997, the 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).
ii.During the meeting, representatives from 18 countries signed a declaration advocating for the 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 WFD was observed on 21st November 1998.
Significance:
i.The day highlights the critical threats to the sustainability of our marine and freshwater resources, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and other environmental challenges.
ii.The day also emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable fishing practices and ensuring responsible management of marine resources to protect and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
2024 Events in India:
To commemorate WFD 2024, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and the Department of Fisheries (DoF) hosted events at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
- The theme for this year is “India Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-scale and Sustainable Fisheries.”
Awards for Contributions to the Fisheries Sector:-
On World Fisheries Day 2024, progressive States, UTs, districts, and individuals were recognized by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D)for their contributions to fisheries and aquaculture.
- Kerala was honored with the Best Marine State award.
- Telangana received the award for the Best Inland State.
- Uttarakhand was recognized as the Best Himalayan and Northeast State.
- Jammu & Kashmir recognized as the Best Union Territory.
| Category | Awardee |
|---|---|
| Best Marine State | Kerala |
| Best Inland State | Telangana |
| Best Himalayan and North East State | Uttarakhand |
| Best Union Territory | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Best Marine District | Kollam, Kerala |
| Best Inland District | Kanker, Chhattisgarh |
| Best Himalayan and North East District | Darrang, Assam |
| Best District in a UT | Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir |
Key Initiatives launched by India to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
- 5th Marine Fisheries Census
- National Plan of Action (NPOA) on Sharks
- Bay of Bengal-Regional Plan of Action (BoB-RPOA)
- IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project
- Standard Operating Proceduresfor retrofitted LPG kits
- Single Window System for Coastal Aquaculture
- Voluntary Carbon Market Framework
Investment in the Fisheries sector
The Department of Fisheries has been allocated Rs. 2,584.50 crore for FY 2024-25 to advance the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and other initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries.
Government schemes to promote sustainable fisheries
i.Blue Revolution:
A government initiative launched in India in 1985-1990 during the 7th Five-Year Plan to increase fish production and productivity.
- The restructured Plan Scheme on Blue Revolution – Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries was launched in FY2015-16 in at a total central outlay of Rs.3000 crore.
ii.Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
- Launched in May 2020, aims to double fisheries export to 1 lakh crores and create 55 lakh new jobs in the sector.
- To increase aquaculture productivity from 3 tonnes per hectare to 5 tonnes per hectare.
iii.Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
Introduced in 2018-19 to provide infrastructure funds in both marine and inland fisheries.
iv.The National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF), 2017, emphasizes sustainability as the core principle for conserving and managing India’s marine fishery resources.
5th Marine Fisheries Census
On the occasion of the WFD 2024, Shri. Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries launched the 5th Marine Fisheries Census (MFC 2025) during the celebration organised Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying(MoFAHD), Govt of India on 21st November in New Delhi,Delhi.
- This census will be conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), with support from the Department of Fisheries, Government of India (GoI).
- The upcoming census will be paperless and fully digital, covering 1.2 million households along the coastal region. It is set to be completed in just 45 days with a workforce of 3,500 field staff. Since 2005, the ICAR-CMFRI has conducted the marine fisheries census every 5 years.
Key facts about the role of India in the fisheries sector
i.India’s fisheries sector is recognized as the ‘sunrise sector’ to make a significant contribution to the Indian economy in the future.
ii.3rd largest fish producer globally.
iii.2nd largest aquaculture nation after China with significant contribution to the world’s shrimp and fish supply.
iv.Largest shrimp producer globally.
