The World Fisheries Day, occurring annually on the 21st of November, is an event that unites fisherfolk, fish farmers and other stakeholders globally in a show of solidarity. This year, in a first for the fisheries sector, the Government of India will recognize the best-performing states with awards. Established in 1997, the World Fisheries Day was born from the “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” held in New Delhi, which led to the creation of the “World Fisheries Forum.” Representatives from 18 countries signed a declaration pushing for sustainable fishing practices and policies on a global level.
The Significance of World Fisheries Day
The primary purpose of World Fisheries Day is to highlight issues such as overfishing, habitat destruction and other significant threats to the longevity of marine and inland resources. The day serves to remind us of the importance of maintaining these resources, not just for the environment, but also for the millions who rely on them for survival.
The Role of the Fisheries Sector in Developing Countries
The fisheries sector plays a crucial role in the economies of developing countries. Between 30 million to 60 million people are involved in inland fisheries, with women making up about half of this workforce. Interestingly, around 65% of fish sourced from these fisheries originate from low-income food deficit nations. Further, more than 25% of global dietary protein is supplied by fish.
The Importance of Fisheries for India
India’s fisheries sector holds a significant role in its economy; it is the second highest producer of fish through aquaculture worldwide and ranks as the fourth largest exporter of fish. Accounting for 7.7% of global fish production, fish exports from India represent about 10% of total exports and nearly 20% of agriculture exports as of the 2017-18 period. The fisheries and aquaculture sector contribute around 1% to India’s GDP and over 5% to the agricultural GDP. The sector also provides employment for approximately 28 million people.
Challenges Faced by the Fisheries Sector
Despite its importance, the fisheries sector faces significant challenges. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that nearly 90% of global marine fish stocks have been fully exploited, overfished, or depleted to such an extent that biological recovery may not be possible. Other issues include the harmful discharge of substances like plastics into water bodies, which has devastating consequences for aquatic life, and the impact of climate change.
Aiming for Improvement: Indian Government’s Efforts in Fisheries Sector
The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to improve the state of the fisheries sector. The establishment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) during 2018-19 is one such effort. Another initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, aiming to achieve 22 million tonnes of fish production by 2024-25 while also creating employment opportunities for 55 lakh people.
The government’s focus on the Blue Revolution is aimed at creating a conducive environment for the integrated and holistic development and management of fisheries. This focus is intended to contribute to the socio-economic development of the fishers and fish farmers. In addition, the extension of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to fishers and fish farmers aids in meeting their working capital needs.
