23 November 2024, New Delhi: World Fisheries Day is celebrated across the world on 21 November annually. The main purpose behind this day is to highlight the importance of sustainable stocks of fisheries in the world, to strengthen human rights for small-scale fishing communities, to make a true difference in the working conditions of fishing communities, and to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This year the theme for the celebration is ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures’.
ICAR Institutes celebrated World Fisheries Day 2024 Pan-India.
1. ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow
ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources celebrated World Fisheries Day along with World AMR Awareness Week today.
Dr A. K. Singh, Former Director, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal, graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Dr U. K. Sarkar, Director, ICAR-NBFGR, emphasized the conservation and culture of Small Indigenous Fish (SIF). The chief guest sensitized the farmers about the culture of minor carps and small fish for their livelihood and income generation.
On this occasion, the Germplasm Resource Centre for Small Indigenous Fish was inaugurated, and the fish seeds of important species such as Labeo bata, Labeo gonius, Ompok bimaculatus, and Mystus tengra were released. The programme was attended by about 50 fish farmers from different districts in UP. The fish seeds of SIF were distributed to the farmers.
2. ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya
The event featured a demonstration of a water testing kit for analyzing pH levels and dissolved oxygen in water, a critical component for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. The practical session provided hands-on knowledge for farmers to monitor and improve water quality in their fish farms.
Farmers and SHG members, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange, also participated in the programme. It underscored the commitment of ICAR-KVK Ri Bhoi and its partners to empowering rural communities through innovative and sustainable fishing practices.
The celebration of World Fisheries Day 2024 served as a significant step in advancing sustainable aquaculture, aligning with the theme’s message of nurturing life in aquatic ecosystems.
3. ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai
ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture celebrated World Fisheries Day 2024 along with fishers and fish farmers at Pattipulam village, Chengalpattu district, jointly with the Fish for All Centre of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation at Poombhuhar, Tamil Nadu, today.
The scientists briefed about the role of brackishwater aquaculture in India’s fisheries sector, fostering community-based conservation of water and fishery resources for livelihood development, sustainable fisheries practices to ensure healthy aquatic ecosystems and food security, and ICAR-CIBA’s aquaculture-based livelihood development models focusing on innovations that empower small-scale fishers and farmers. During the event, fish net materials were distributed to the SC beneficiaries to support their aquaculture activities, reflecting ICAR-CIBA’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities.
The participants were sensitized about the importance of sustainable fisheries, habitat protection, responsible fishing methods and gears, climate change and its impacts on fisheries, and the contributions of fishing communities towards fishery resource management and conservation of coastal ecosystems towards promoting equitable blue transformation in the fisheries sector. Two-panel discussions on progress, the impact of diverse community sections, and the way forward to secure equitable blue transformation of the fisheries sector.
A total of 240 fishers, SCSP fish farmers, members of Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPO), and community facilitators participated in the event.
4. ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi
ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology celebrated World Fisheries Day today, aiming to inspire the next generation of fisheries professionals and foster discussions on sustainable fishing practices.
Smt. Chinnama Joseph, an accomplished fisherwoman and Vice President, Inland Fishermen Cooperative Society, Vaikom, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor.
The technical sessions provided valuable insights into innovative fishing technologies and sustainable fishing practices.
Simultaneous celebrations were held at ICAR-CIFT’s research centers in Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, and Veraval, showcasing the institute’s nationwide efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
5. ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, West Bengal
ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute celebrated World Fisheries Day at its headquarters and regional centers today.
Dr B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, emphasized that the sensitization program would significantly contribute to sustainable fisheries, enhance livelihood security, and strengthen the capacity of fishers to address environmental and economic challenges. Dr Das briefed that ICAR-CIFRI has already joined hands with the JGVK to empower the women of the ST community in Sundarbans by providing them with fisheries inputs like fish seed, feed, etc.
Dr Purnendu Biswas, former Vice Chancellor, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences; Mr Ganesh Sengupta, Chairman IGF, Denmark; and Mr Niels Bo Karlsson, Denmark, graced the occasion.
About 330 small-scale fishers and fish farmers, including 255 women, were sensitized through this programme.
(For Latest Agriculture News & Updates, follow Krishak Jagat on Google News) (+80 Million Farming Audience Visits Krishak Jagat’s Hindi Website – Click Here for Website)
