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In commemoration of World Fisheries Day on November 21, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana’ (MMKY) in Bhubaneswar. The scheme, encompassing 16 programs, aims to allocate Rs 448 crore this year for the welfare and development of fishermen. During the launch, the Chief Minister encouraged fishermen, pisciculture farmers, and women self-help groups to utilize the scheme’s benefits for their progress and contribute to the prosperity of the state and the nation.

Chief Minister Patnaik emphasized the abundant water resources in the state and expressed the goal of fully utilizing these resources for economic development. The primary objectives of the MMKY include boosting fish production, generating employment opportunities, empowering women, and overall economic development. Implemented under the 5T initiative, the scheme is anticipated to benefit more than 11,000 women self-help groups, 50,000 pisciculture farmers, and over one lakh fishermen.

Highlighting the advancements in fisheries development, Patnaik noted a fourfold increase in fish production over the past two decades and cited the state’s achievement of self-reliance in fish oil production. Odisha has played a pioneering role by introducing the Odisha Fisheries Policy 2015 and Odisha Reservoir Fisheries Policy 2012, aiming to enhance fish production.

Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources, Ranendra Pratap Swain, provided detailed insights into the various facets of the scheme during the event. Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Co-operation Department Commissioner-Cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal, and other senior officials were present at the program. District Collectors and fishermen from various districts also virtually participated in the launch, marking a significant step towards transforming the state’s fisheries sector.

Srinagar: The two-day event, ‘Coldwater Fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir: Challenges and Opportunities,’ dedicated to World Fisheries Day (WFD), concluded at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir’s Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil campus on Wednesday.

The event featured various programs, including expert lectures, scientist-farmer interactions, awareness programs, debates, and painting competitions, aimed at shedding light on different aspects of this year’s theme.

Highlighting the global significance of fisheries in providing over 20% of animal protein intake for nearly 3 billion people, the event emphasized the vital role fishery plays in global food security and nutrition. However, it also addressed the threats posed by overfishing, climate change, and pollution, endangering aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishers. World Fisheries Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about these challenges and advocate for responsible fisheries management practices that balance conservation with the needs of fishing communities.

Prof MAA Siddique, Director of Education at SKUAST-K, who served as the chief guest, urged fisheries scientists to develop new technologies for enhancing fish production in the Union Territory (UT). He encouraged fisheries professionals to venture into businesses such as Ornamental Fisheries, Fish Kiosks, Fish Processing, and postharvest activities, promoting entrepreneurship among them.

Prof Farooz Ahmad Bhat, Dean Faculty of Fisheries at SKUAST-K, discussed the origin and significance of celebrating World Fisheries Day. He highlighted challenges faced by the coldwater fisheries sector, including low fish production, slow fish growth, high input costs, insufficient fish diversification for culture practices, destruction of aquatic resources, pollution, and climate change.

Dr. Mohd Ashraf Rather, the event organizer, provided insights into the seminar’s theme. Prof Irfan Ahmad, Head of the Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, expressed gratitude in the vote of thanks.

The conclusion of the event marks a concerted effort to address challenges and harness opportunities in coldwater fisheries, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable and responsible fisheries practices.

In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the Kshipra River continues to grapple with pollution discharged from the Kanh River. Despite the implementation of crore-worthy schemes, devotees find it challenging to take baths without covering their noses due to the foul-smelling water.

The situation worsened as hundreds of fish perished in the Kshipra River near Bada Pull, emitting a strong odour in the surrounding area. The cause of this fish mortality was attributed to a lack of oxygen resulting from water withdrawal at the stop dam in front of Chakratirtha Ghat.

Upon learning about the fish deaths at Dhobi Ghat near Bada Pull, locals initiated efforts to collect the deceased fish. Mohammad Zakir, an employee at Dhobi Ghat, explained that the closure of the stop dam and water release from the dam ahead led to oxygen depletion, causing the mass fish deaths. Pedestrians near the bridge also experienced discomfort due to the unpleasant smell.

Expressing concern over pollution and fish deaths, Ujjain Municipal Corporation’s Opposition Leader Ravi Rai criticized the Kahn diversion project, stating that the water in Kshipra had turned black. Mayor Mukesh Tatwal attributed the fish deaths to oxygen depletion in the Kshipra River and announced plans to install fountains from Ramghat towards Dutt Akhara Ghat to address the issue. Corporator Prakash Sharma, in charge of the Ujjain Municipal Corporation PHE department, highlighted the challenges caused by the mixing of water from the Kanh River into the Kshipra, leading to the construction of vulnerable kutcha dams that pollute the river and contribute to fish deaths.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has disbursed Rs 161.86 crore as the fourth tranche of financial assistance for fishermen who lost their livelihoods due to the installation of ONGC pipelines in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema and Kakinada districts. The Chief Minister made the announcement on World Fisheries Day from his camp office in Tadepalli. Originally scheduled to release the funds during a visit to the Sullurpet Assembly constituency, the trip was cancelled due to heavy rains.

The assistance, totalling Rs 69,000 each, will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of 23,458 affected fishermen. The government’s plan extends monthly aid of Rs 11,500 for six months, covering the period from January to June 2023. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of fishermen’s families, bringing the total government payout to Rs 485 crore.

Addressing the recent fire mishap at the Visakhapatnam fishing harbour, the Chief Minister assured quick financial aid to boat owners who lost their vessels. He directed officials to promptly distribute compensation cheques to affected fishermen’s families, with each receiving 80% compensation based on the value of their destroyed boats.

In a virtual participation during the program, Fisheries Commissioner Kannababu informed the Chief Minister that Andhra Pradesh had been honored with the Best Fisheries State Award. Officials representing the state received the award in Gujarat at a specially arranged function. The event was attended by Fisheries Minister Dr S Appla Raju and senior officials.

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, L Murugan, highlighted the crucial role of research and design in upgrading fishing vessels to tap into the potential of deep-sea fishing sustainably.

During a technical session at the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023, Murugan stressed the global demand for tuna fish and India’s capacity to increase tuna fishing. However, he emphasized the necessity for technological advancements in this sector. The government is actively supporting traditional fishermen, offering up to 60% financial assistance to convert their vessels into deep-sea fishing boats. Additionally, loan facilities are available to facilitate this transformation.

Murugan underscored the importance of modern fishing vessels equipped with in-built processing facilities to meet international quality standards for deep-sea fishing. Acknowledging the current lack of capabilities among traditional fishermen, he assured that the government is committed to bridging this gap.

In a separate technical session, Simon Feunge-Smith, a senior fishery officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, discussed the 37% increase in per capita fish consumption worldwide over the last 25 years. He called for increased blue finance to drive innovations and developments in aquaculture, considering the critical threats posed by climate change and the growing demand for food and nutritional security.

Feunge-Smith highlighted that Asia contributes 89% of global aquaculture production, amounting to 82 million tonnes, providing jobs for 20.5 million people in the primary sector.

Deep-sea fishing, conducted beyond the 12 nautical mile limit of territorial waters, is within the exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles from the shore.

World Bank consultant Arthur Neiland emphasized the untapped potential of yellowfin and skipjack tunas in India’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), estimating a harvest potential of 179,000 tonnes. However, the actual harvest is only 25,259 tonnes, indicating a utilization rate of merely 12%. Neiland called for public and private sector investment in deep-sea fishing, citing potential economic, social, and environmental benefits. Leveraging India’s institutional expertise in fisheries science, management, processing, and infrastructure was also highlighted as beneficial for the development of deep-sea fishing plans.

Ahmedabad, Nov 21: The Department of Fisheries in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, has earned top honours for its exceptional contributions to the robust development of fish and fisheries. The national recognition was bestowed upon Anantnag as the best-performing district across all Union Territories in the country.

The prestigious award, comprising a trophy and a certificate of merit, was presented at the World Fisheries Day celebration held at Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad. The event, presided over by Purshotam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, witnessed the gathering of fisheries experts from national and international domains.

Union Minister Rupala commended the efforts of the Department of Fisheries, particularly in the realm of coldwater Fisheries in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the various schemes launched by the Government of India, including those under PMMSY, aimed at promoting fish marketing, branding, and export. Rupala encouraged the youth to leverage these schemes for developing market linkages, especially in establishing cold chains to secure better prices for their produce.

Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the guidance of Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, the Kashmir region is positioned as a focal point for Cold Water Fisheries development. The UT government has introduced special subsidy components to attract more farmers to embrace this lucrative venture, contributing to increased productivity and income for fishers.

Director of Fisheries, Mohammad Farooq Dar, emphasized the department’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ resourcefulness through the implementation of various schemes, facilitating trout marketing and export to other states. Anantnag, a frontrunner in trout production, is not only a hub for trout but also a destination for ecotourism, attracting both local and foreign anglers. The effective implementation of schemes like PMMSY, HADP, FIDF aims to double trout production in the next five years, creating valuable employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth.

Visakhapatnam: In an unfortunate turn of events just ahead of World Fisheries Day, a devastating fire erupted in the Visakhapatnam harbour on Sunday, inflicting significant losses upon the local fishermen community. The incident has forced the cancellation of planned celebrations in the district on November 21 (Tuesday), leaving fishermen and fisheries officials grappling with the aftermath.

As part of the preparations for World Fisheries Day, fishermen had organized a grand celebration at RK Beach, complete with a stage set up opposite a star hotel. The event aimed to provide a platform for fishermen to address their concerns and foster community spirit. However, the unexpected fire on Sunday disrupted these plans, leading to the cancellation of the celebration in Visakhapatnam district.

Vasupalli Janakiram, representing the AP Mechanised Boat Owners’ Welfare Association in Visakhapatnam, expressed disappointment, stating, “We wanted to raise our issues and have a get-together in the celebration at the beach on Tuesday. But

unfortunately, this incident happened. So, we canceled the celebration for Visakhapatnam district.”

In response to the crisis, Dr. Mugi Srinivas, the general secretary of the State Fisheries Development unit of Jana Sena Party, announced plans to address the issue of providing compensation to the affected families on November 21, World Fisheries Day. The fishing community now faces the dual challenge of dealing with the aftermath of the fire and advocating for their rights and compensation during what was meant to be a day of celebration and solidarity.

Ahmedabad: In a historic announcement at the inaugural Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel proclaimed the marine ‘Ghol’ fish as the official state fish of Gujarat. The declaration, made at Gujarat Science City, was accompanied by the presence of Union Minister for Fisheries, Parshottam Rupala.

Scientifically recognized as the Black Spotted Croaker (Protonibea diacanthus), the Ghol fish is celebrated not only for its culinary appeal but also for its medicinal properties, making it a sought-after commodity in many countries. Gujarat, a key player in the fisheries sector, particularly values the Ghol fish’s bladder as a high-value export.

Following the announcement, Union Minister Rupala addressed the media, emphasizing the significance of the decision. He stated, “The Gujarat government’s declaration of Ghol as the state fish is a strategic move to enhance conservation efforts and raise awareness about the unique attributes of this marine species.”

The Ghol fish, with its wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific region from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean, holds cultural, economic, and ecological importance. This official recognition as the state fish marks a pivotal step in Gujarat’s commitment to the conservation and promotion of its diverse fisheries resources. The move is expected to contribute to both local and global efforts in preserving marine biodiversity.

Around 500 participants from Assam and Meghalaya, representing various tribal communities, came together for a fishing competition held at Hahim, Boko in Assam’s Kamrup District. The event showcased camaraderie among the people from both states, fostering a positive atmosphere despite occasional tensions related to border disputes.

Organized by a committee since 2015, the fishing competition serves as a platform to mitigate conflicts and promote harmony between Assam and Meghalaya. Kailash Sharma, a committee member, highlighted the significance of such events in resolving differences through peaceful means.

The competition, held in a sizable pond, witnessed active participation from tribal communities such as Khasi, Garo, Rabha, and Boro. Residents from North Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya, and Goalpara and Kamrup districts from Assam enthusiastically took part.

Winners from West Khasi Hills district claimed the top three prizes, emphasizing the collaborative and inclusive nature of the event. The competition, held from 9 am to 2 pm, awarded the first-place angler with a reward of Rs 1 lakh for catching the biggest fish. The second and third prizes were Rs 35,000 and Rs 15,000, respectively.

Tom Syiem from Tikardum village in West Khasi Hills secured the first prize by catching a fish weighing 2.820 kg. Boslan Jahnoh from Nongmalin village and Blasting Nonglang from Nawsryiam village, both from West Khasi Hills, clinched the second and third prizes, respectively.

To encourage broader participation, the committee also presented consolation prizes of Rs 2,000 to 20 competitors, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and collaboration among the communities. The fishing competition not only showcased the rich cultural diversity of the region but also served as a testament to the positive outcomes achievable through shared activities and mutual understanding.

Source: Hubnews