World Fisheries Day (21st November)

World Fisheries Day is celebrated annually on 21st November by fishing communities across the globe. It emphasises the importance of healthy marine ecosystems and the importance of securing sustainable fish stocks around the world. The first World Fisheries Day was celebrated on 21st November 2015, marking the inaugural ceremony of the International Fisheries Organization.

World Fisheries Day is meant to focus on neglected communities and emphasise their efforts. It also looks at performance indicators over the past year and how they overlap with new trends. Learn more about the history and significance of this day here.

World Fisheries Day 2022

World Fisheries Day encourages people to manage the world’s fisheries sustainably. According to the United Nations, two-thirds of the total world fisheries have been overfished. Moreover, factors like global warming and pollution are also resulting in damaging global fisheries. World Fisheries Day is a reminder to all protect our fisheries as they constitute an important part of the environment.

World Fisheries Day is also celebrated to support fishermen and women. A large number of people are engaged in the fishing trade, and any negative impact on fisheries directly affects their livelihoods. Here, we have shared an overview of this day:

World Fisheries Day 2022 Theme

• The theme for 2021 included a stronger focus on fishing, nature, the right combination of environments, and biodiversity.

• In 2020, the focus was on "Social Responsibility in the Fisheries Value Chain".
• In 2019, the focus was expanded under the theme of "2022 ka Hai Sapna, Kisan Ki Aay Ho Dugna - Sankalp Se Siddhi".
• In 2018 the theme was "Partnerships and Innovation for Climate Change-Resistant Fisheries."

World Fisheries Day History

The history of World Fisheries Day can be traced back to 1997 when the World Fisheries Consortium Forum was established and given the name WFF (World Fisheries Forum). Within the framework of this forum, several participants from around the world were involved.

About 18 countries signed a global consensus document outlining the standardisation of practices. In addition, this has led to sustained action to flag higher development practices and policies to make fishing a lucrative standard and means of trade and commerce.

Significance of World Fisheries Day

World Fisheries Day is an important observation because of several reasons. Seafood and fish are traditional foods for many people around the world. People living, especially in coastal areas and areas near the sea, consume it as one of their staple foods. Therefore, this day helps set future trading goals and milestones and brings together many allies under one roof, not just the fishing department.

The fishing industry suffers from many problems, including the breeding of blue-green algae in the oceans and the seas, oil spills and pollution in marine bodies, invasion of plastics, toxic chemicals in seawater, etc. The survival of the fishing industry has become extremely difficult.

World Fisheries Day is critical to today's trade, as the industry lacks adequate guidelines on investment issues. As a result of global warming, the temperature of the earth's water has risen, further affecting the livelihoods of fish populations. Proactive and proper management of relevant factors can balance the conditions under which sustainable fisheries can thrive and survive.

Important Facts about Fishing in India

• India is the world's second-largest producer of fish through aquaculture.
• India is the fourth largest fish exporter globally, as it contributes 7.7% to the world's fish production.
• Currently, this sector supports the lives of more than 2.8 million people in the country. Still, this is a sector with untapped potential.
• India's Economic Survey 2019-20 estimated that, so far, only 58% of the country's fishing potential has been developed.
• Despite infrastructure challenges, central government policies over the last six years ensure that the fisheries sector continues to grow at an annual rate of over 10%.

FAQs On World Fisheries Day

Q1. When is World Fisheries Day celebrated?

World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year on 21st November. This day marks the establishment of the World Fisheries Consortium Forum, which was later given the name WFF (World Fisheries Forum).

Q2. When was World Fisheries Day first envisioned?

World Fisheries Day was created in 1997 when the World Forum on Fish Harvesters and Fisheries Workers met in New Delhi, and the World Fisheries Forum was established with representatives from 18 countries.

Q3. Why is World Fisheries Day celebrated?

World Fisheries Day demonstrates solidarity with all fishermen, aquaculture, and affected stakeholders worldwide. The purpose is to draw attention to habitat destruction, overfishing, and other serious threats to the sustainability of marine and inland stocks.

Q4. What was the theme of World Fisheries Day 2021?

The Theme for World Fisheries Day 2021 included a stronger focus on fishing, nature, the right combination of environments, and biodiversity. The World Fisheries Day theme 2022 is expected to revolve around the same issues.

Q5. Which place was awarded as the Best Marine District?

During the World Fisheries Day award ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Fisheries, Livestock, and Dairy of Bhubaneswar, Balasore District (Orissa) was awarded as India's "Best Marine District".

Q6. What are the types of fisheries in India?

World Fisheries Day is celebrated to advocate for the sustainable development and management of global fisheries. The types of fisheries in India include:

• Freshwater or Inland Fishery
• Marine Fisheries
• Pearl Fisheries
• Estuarine Fisheries