World Fisheries Day | 21 Nov 2020

Why in News

The World Fisheries Day is observed on the 21^st November every year.

• On the occasion of the World Fisheries Day, for the first time in the Fisheries Sector, the Government of India will award best performing States.

Key Points

• World Fisheries Day 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.
  • Aim: To draw attention to overfishing, habitat destruction and other serious threats to the sustainability of marine and inland resources.
• Importance of Fisheries Sector:
  
  • Around 30 million to over 60 million people in the developing world are involved in inland fisheries; it is thought that about 50% are women.
  • Around 65% of fish caught from inland fisheries are from low-income food deficit countries.
  • More than 25% of world dietary protein is provided by the fish.
• Importance of Fisheries for India:
  
  • India is the second major producer of fish through aquaculture in the world.
  • India is the 4^th largest exporter of fish in the world as it contributes 7.7% to the global fish production.
  • Fish constituted about 10% of total exports from India and almost 20% of agriculture exports in 2017-18.
  • The fisheries and aquaculture production contribute around 1% to India’s GDP and over 5% to the agricultural GDP.
  • Around 28 million people are employed in the fisheries sector in India.
  • The sector has immense potential to more than double the fishers and fish farmers’ incomes, as envisioned by the government.
• Challenges for Fisheries sector:
  
  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) points out that nearly 90% of the global marine fish stocks have either been fully exploited or overfished or depleted to the extent that recovery may not be biologically possible.
  • Discharge of harmful substances like plastics and other waste into water bodies that cause devastating consequences for aquatic life.
  • Changing climate.
• Indian Government's Effort to Improve Fisheries:
  
  • Establishment of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) during 2018-19.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: The programme aims to achieve 22 million tonnes of fish production by 2024-25. Also, it is expected to create employment opportunities for 55 lakh people.
  • Focus on Blue Revolution: Focuses on creating an enabling environment for integrated and holistic development and management of fisheries for the socio-economic development of the fishers and fish farmers.
  • Extension of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to fishers and fish farmers to help them in meeting their working capital needs.

Source:PIB