World Fisheries Day 2023: Observed annually on November 21st, World Fisheries Day emphasizes the importance of sustainable fisheries management as well as the crucial role that small-scale fishermen play in ensuring food security and livelihood for millions of people around the world. In addition to raising awareness about overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change, this international event also seeks to promote fisheries management.
WORLD FISHERIES DAY THEME 2023
‘Celebrating the Wealth of Fisheries and Aquaculture’ is the theme for World Fisheries Day 2023.
The Position of India in the Global Fisheries Sector
With an export share of 8%, India is the third largest fish producer in the world. It is also the second largest aquaculture producer, the third largest shrimp producer, and the fourth largest seafood exporter in the world. About 3 crore fishers and fish farmers in India depend on the fisheries sector for sustainable incomes and livelihoods.
PMMSY: A Vision for Sustainable Fisheries
In 2020, the Indian government launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to strengthen the fisheries sector and make it a more important part of the national economy. By 2024-25, this ambitious scheme aims to produce 22 million metric tonnes of fish and export seafood worth Rs 1 lakh crore.
Collaboration and innovation at the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023
World Fisheries Day 2023 is celebrated with the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023. Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad hosts this 2-day event on November 21st and 22nd. Participants in the conference exchange knowledge, compare best practices, and explore innovative solutions for sustainable fisheries.
Fisheries Excellence Recognition
World Fisheries Day celebrations recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations in the fisheries sector. Inland, Marine, Hilly, and North-eastern regions are recognized with these awards as the best performing states, districts, and organizations. In addition, individual awards are presented to fish farmers, hatcheries, fisheries enterprises, fisheries cooperative societies, and individual entrepreneurs.
World Fisheries Day’s Origins
In 1997, the “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” convened in New Delhi, which sparked World Fisheries Day. As a result of this historic meeting, representatives from 18 countries formed the World Fisheries Forum. World Fisheries Day was founded on sustainable fishing practices and policies advocated in the forum’s founding declaration.
World Fisheries Day calls for marine and freshwater resources to be protected and managed responsibly. A sustainable fisheries sector and international collaboration are essential to its future health and productivity.
Conclusion
World Fisheries Day is an important day to celebrate the role that fisheries play in our lives. It is a day to appreciate the hard work of fishermen and women who provide us with fresh seafood. It is also a day to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our fisheries so that future generations can enjoy them as well.