About:
- World Fisheries Day is celebrated on 21st November every year to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the world.
- It started in 1997 where “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.
- The event aims to draw attention to overfishing, habitat destruction and other serious threats to the sustainability of our marine and freshwater resources.
- The celebrations serve to focus on changing the way the world manages global fisheries to ensure sustainable stocks and healthy ecosystems.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY):
- It is a flagship scheme focused on the development of the fisheries sector and doubling the incomes of fishers and fish farmers.
- It is announced as a part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in May 2020.
- The scheme is an Umbrella scheme for various other government initiatives and projects by the Government in the fisheries sector.
- The scheme aims for the adoption of ‘Cluster or Area-based Approaches’ and ultimately creating fisheries clusters through backward and forward linkages.
- The scheme targets enhancement in fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne and increase fisheries export earnings to 1,00,000 crore by 2024-25.
- The scheme also envisioned generating employment opportunities through seaweed and ornamental fish cultivation and to bring new interventions such as fishing vessel insurance, support for upgradation of fishing vessels/boats, integrated aqua parks, e-trading/marketing, etc.
