On November 21, 2024, World Fisheries Day marked the launch of several projects aimed at enhancing India’s fisheries sector. The Union Minister for Fisheries, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, announced initiatives to transform both marine and inland aquaculture. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s blue economy.
Marine Fisheries Census 2025
The fifth Marine Fisheries Census is set to take place in 2025. This census will be the first fully digital one. It aims to collect data using mobile apps and virtual servers. The process is expected to be 80% faster than previous censuses. Approximately 3,500 staff members will oversee the operation. The census will gather information from 1.2 million households along India’s coast.
National Plan of Action on Sharks
A important initiative is the National Plan of Action on Sharks. This plan aims to promote sustainable shark management. It follows the International Plan of Action for Sharks established by the FAO in 1999. The action plan focuses on improving data collection, resource allocation, and coordination among maritime state departments. It also seeks to enhance capacity for species identification and habitat mapping.
Regional Cooperation Against Illegal Fishing
India has endorsed a Regional Plan of Action to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. This initiative involves collaboration with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. The aim is to ensure sustainable fishing practices in the Bay of Bengal region.
Combatting Marine Plastic Litter
The International Maritime Organization and FAO launched the GloLitter Partnership Project. This project addresses marine plastic litter. It aims to develop strategies for reducing plastic waste in oceans, promoting cleaner marine environments.
Energy-Efficient Fishing Practices
New Standard Operating Procedures for retrofitted LPG kits were introduced. These kits promote energy-efficient and low-cost marine fishing fuels. This initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint of fishing activities.
Online Registration for Aquaculture Farms
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority introduced a New Single Window System. This system allows for online registration of coastal aquaculture farms. It simplifies the registration process and promotes transparency in the sector.
Voluntary Carbon Market Framework
A Memorandum of About was signed to implement a framework for the Voluntary Carbon Market. This framework aims to harness carbon-sequestering practices in the fisheries sector. It encourages sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of digital technology on data collection in the fisheries sector.
- Critically discuss the significance of the National Plan of Action on Sharks in sustainable fisheries management.
- Analyse the role of regional cooperation in combating illegal fishing practices in the Bay of Bengal.
- Point out the challenges and opportunities presented by the Voluntary Carbon Market in the fisheries sector.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of digital technology on data collection in the fisheries sector.
- Digital technology enhances data accuracy and timeliness by enabling real-time data collection through mobile apps.
- It reduces the time required for data processing, making operations 80% faster than traditional methods.
- The use of virtual servers ensures better data management and accessibility for stakeholders.
- Digital tools facilitate comprehensive coverage, reaching 1.2 million households along the coastline.
- Improved data collection can lead to better policy-making and resource allocation in the fisheries sector.
2. Critically discuss the significance of the National Plan of Action on Sharks in sustainable fisheries management.
- The plan aims to promote sustainable shark management, addressing overfishing and species conservation.
- It enhances data collection and resource allocation, ensuring informed decision-making for shark populations.
- Collaboration among maritime state departments encourages coordinated efforts for effective management.
- Capacity building in species identification and habitat mapping supports conservation initiatives.
- It aligns with international frameworks, enhancing India’s commitment to global sustainable fishing practices.
3. Analyse the role of regional cooperation in combating illegal fishing practices in the Bay of Bengal.
- Regional cooperation among India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives promotes shared responsibility for sustainable fishing.
- Joint efforts enhance monitoring and enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
- Collaboration allows for sharing of resources, technology, and best practices in fisheries management.
- It encourages a unified approach to address transboundary fishing challenges effectively.
- Strengthening regional ties can lead to improved livelihoods for fishing communities through sustainable practices.
4. Point out the challenges and opportunities presented by the Voluntary Carbon Market in the fisheries sector.
- The Voluntary Carbon Market offers opportunities for fisheries to monetize carbon-sequestering practices, enhancing revenue.
- It encourages sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.
- Challenges include establishing credible measurement and verification systems for carbon credits.
- Market fluctuations can impact the financial viability of participating in carbon trading.
- Awareness and capacity building are essential for stakeholders to engage effectively in this market.
