World Fisheries Day: 21st November
World Fisheries Day (WFD) is observed on the 21st November every year.
- The award ceremony was organised by the ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of WFD.
- Balasore district (Odisha) has been awarded India’s “Best Marine District”.
- WFD is celebrated to demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the world.
- It was started in the year 1997 when “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” met at New Delhi leading to formation of “World Fisheries Forum” with representatives from 18 countries and signed a declaration advocating for a global mandate of sustainable fishing practices and policies.
- It is aimed at drawing attention to overfishing, habitat destruction and other serious threats to the sustainability of marine and inland resources.
- In 2019-20, with an overall production of 142 lakh tons, India produced 8% of the global share.
- During the same time period, India’s fisheries exports stood at Rs 46,662 crore, constituting about 18% of India’s agricultural exports.
- India aims to achieve a target of producing 22 million metric tonnes of fish by 2024-25.
- The fisheries sector has witnessed three major transformations in the last few years:
- The growth of inland aquaculture, specifically freshwater aquaculture.
- The mechanization of capture fisheries.
- The successful commencement of brackish water shrimp aquaculture.
- As compared to last year there has been a 34% increase in the budget for the fisheries sector in 2021-22.
