World Fisheries Day Celebration at ICAR-CMFRI Visakhapatnam Regional Centre

The World Fisheries Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Visakhapatnam Regional Centre on November 21, 2024. The event honored six traditional small-scale fishermen from North Andhra Pradesh, who shared their valuable experiences, challenges, and insights into the fishing profession. Their narratives highlighted how the fishing landscape has evolved over the years, influenced by both man-made and natural calamities. They discussed the dwindling fish resources, the declining interest among the younger generation to join the profession, and the ever-increasing cost of inputs.

Dr. Raju PS, CMFRI Vizag, who delivered the welcome address, and the event was graced by Chief Guest, Mr. P. Laxman Rao, Joint Director of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Joe Kizhakudan, Head of the Centre, emphasized the significance of World Fisheries Day during his inaugural address.

Dignitaries from several prominent organizations attended, including representatives from the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Fishery Survey of India (FSI), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), CIFNET, Abad Exports, and the Department of Fisheries, Andhra Pradesh, along with NGO representatives.

The event featured speeches by experts such as Dr. Raghuprakash PS (CIFT), Mr. Prasad Naik (AD MPEDA), Mr. Jones Varkey (AD EIA), Dr. Mahadev (CIFNET), and others, who emphasized the importance of marine fisheries in ensuring the nutritional security of the nation, as well as its role in employment generation, income, safety at sea, and the need for sustainable fishing practices. The discussions also highlighted the importance of adhering to international norms for marine exports.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Muktha M, Dr. Manas H M, and Dr. Indira Divipala from the centre.