The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is set to celebrate World Fisheries Day (WFD) on 21^st November 2024. Recognizing the role and contribution of the fisherfolk, fish farmers in the overall growth of the Fisheries sector and to demonstrate solidarity with all stakeholders throughout the world, the Department of Fisheries has started celebrating 21^st November as World Fisheries Day since 2014.  This year’s theme of World Fisheries Day, 2024 is India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries. The event will be hosted by the DoF on 21^st November 2024 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi in the gracious presence of  Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh,  along with Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Mr. Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Fisheries Division Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Rome and other dignitaries.

The mega event will also witness participation from Senior Government Officials, Ambassadors of various countries, International Delegates, Fisheries Communities, Fisheries Academicians and Researchers, Global Fisheries Scientists, Fisheries Sector Leaders, National and International Fisheries and Aquaculture Experts, Research and Development Institutions, Technology Investors, Fisheries and Aquaculture Equipment Manufacturers, Export Councils, Fisher’s Associations, Financial Institutions and Investment Bankers, International Fishing Industry Organizations, etc.

The inaugural session of World Fisheries Day (WFD) 2024 will feature the launch of key initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. These include the launch of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census for data-driven policymaking, the launch of the National Plan of Action (NPOA) on Sharks for sustainable shark management and Bay of Bengal-Regional Plan of Action (BoB-RPOA) on IUU Fishing to prevent illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.  The IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project to combat marine plastic litter and Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) for retrofitted LPG kits to promote energy-efficient, low-cost marine fishing fuels will also be launched on the occasion. Additionally, the New Single Window System (NSWS) by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority is being launched on WFD 2024 which will enable online registration of coastal aquaculture farms. A signed MoU will also be exchanged during the event to implement a framework for the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), harnessing carbon-sequestering practices in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. As part of the event, progressive States/UTs and individuals/entrepreneurs will be honoured for their outstanding contributions for the growth of Indian fisheries and aquaculture.

The event will include two technical sessions on pivotal themes. The first, "South-South and Triangular Cooperation: Food Safety and Security through Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture," that will explore bilateral cooperation and strategies for sustainable development in fisheries, including small-scale farming, enhanced livelihoods, and food security. The second technical session will be on "Climate Change: Challenges in Fisheries and Way Forward," that will address climate impacts, resilience-building, and mitigation strategies. These sessions will provide valuable insights from experts to shape futuristic strategies, exploring growth avenues like carbon credits, plastic management, and traceability while expanding sustainable development efforts in the fisheries sector.

World Fisheries Day 2024 will offer a platform for the convergence of ideas and foster partnerships amongst all fisheries sector stakeholders; it will facilitate deliberation upon research and development and best practices in the sector, promote international trade in the aquaculture and seafood industry and also create awareness about major achievements and untapped potential in the fisheries sector.

Background:

Fisheries and aquaculture are integral to global food and nutritional security, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 61.8 million people worldwide. In 2022, global production in this sector reached an unprecedented 223.2 million tonnes, underscoring its critical role in sustaining livelihoods, economies and ecosystems. As the second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing around 8% of global fish produce, India also stands as the leading producer of inland capture fish and shrimp. Over the last decade, Government of India has spearheaded transformative initiatives to ensure the holistic development of this sector, reinforcing its vital contribution to national and global sustenance.

Since 2015, Government of India has made significant investments in the Fisheries sector totalling to Rs. 38,572 crore through various schemes and programmes namely the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). These initiatives, led by the Department of Fisheries, have been instrumental in driving the sector's growth, uplifting the livelihoods of fishers, fish farmers, fisherwomen and marginalized communities, including tribal populations.

These efforts, led by the Department of Fisheries, has driven sectoral growth, uplifted livelihoods, and immensely benefited marginalized and tribal communities. As a result, fish production has surged from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 in the country, with the sector growing at an annual rate of 9%, thus recorded highest growth rate in agriculture and allied sectors. In this growth, small-scale fisheries contribute significantly towards food security and nutrition in India, generating income, and supporting livelihoods, helping in poverty alleviation, particularly in rural and coastal areas in India and other developing nations. There remains a huge opportunity to amplify the recognition and support for the impactful role played by these small-scale fishing communities in sustainable growth of the fisheries sector in the country.

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