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The inaugural edition of the Global Fisheries Conference 2023 (GFC-2023) is scheduled to take place on November 21st-22nd, 2023, at Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad. This pioneering event is poised to create a dynamic platform for fostering collaborations and addressing key challenges within the fisheries industry.

The Global Fisheries Conference 2023 aims to bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including fisheries experts, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and technology innovators. By converging these key players under one roof, the conference seeks to facilitate dialogue, exchange of ideas, and the forging of strategic partnerships for the advancement of the global fisheries sector.

In a pivotal meeting today, Venu Dantuluri, the man behind the highly successful Aquaex India and LDF India expositions, engaged with prominent political figures in Andhra Pradesh. During the meeting, Dantuluri met with Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao, Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in Andhra Pradesh, and P.V Midhun Reddy, Floor Leader for YSRCP in Lok Sabha and Regional Coordinator for East & West Godavari districts. The purpose of the meeting was to extend invitations to both leaders for the upcoming Aquaex India 2023, touted as the largest fisheries and aquaculture expo in South Asia.

Scheduled to take place from November 2-4 in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, Aquaex India 2023 is gearing up for its fifth edition, promising a gathering of more than 200 exhibitors from around the world. Dantuluri highlighted the global significance of the event, emphasizing its role as a platform for addressing challenges in the aquaculture sector.

Aquaex India 2023 aims to provide solutions and insights into the various challenges faced by the industry. The expo is set to feature a Knowledge Conclave, showcasing seminars led by industry experts covering a spectrum of topics crucial to the sector’s sustainable growth.

During the discussions, the leaders encouraged active participation from aqua farmers and industry stakeholders, underlining the valuable knowledge and opportunities available at the event. Radha Krishna Convention Centre in Bhimavaram is chosen as the venue for Aquaex India 2023.

Backed by support from government ministries, manufacturers, farmers, academia, scientists, and research bodies, Aquaex India 2023 aims to serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and the promotion of sustainable practices in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The expo is poised to significantly contribute to the advancement and growth of the industry in the region.

A recent study led by University of Melbourne researcher Kathy Overton has shed light on 12 potential ecological benefits of aquaculture that have been largely overlooked. Published in Conservation Biology, the research aims to challenge the prevailing negative perception of aquaculture by highlighting its positive applications when managed responsibly.

Aquaculture, the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms, has faced criticism for contributing to environmental issues such as habitat destruction and pollution. However, this study identifies key ecological benefits that can be harnessed when aquaculture is applied properly. Kathy Overton emphasized that the negative impacts of aquaculture have overshadowed its positive contributions for far too long.

Aquaculture can aid in the restoration of fish species by reintroducing farmed fish to natural habitats, supporting species recovery programs worldwide. Cultivated aquatic species can be used to restore degraded habitats, as seen in initiatives leveraging aquaculture to rebuild lost shellfish reefs.

Similar to restoration, habitat rehabilitation employs cultured organisms to partially restore ecosystems to a functional state. Aquaculture, such as mussel farms, can serve as a substrate for other organisms, protecting ecosystems from activities like trawling.

Organisms in aquaculture can break down pollutants, contributing to the cleaning of their environment in degraded areas. Selective breeding through aquaculture can enhance species’ chances of survival by developing traits like parasite resistance in response to anthropogenic stressors.

Cultured species can be introduced to control pests either through consumption or other methods, aiding in ecosystem balance. Removing overabundant species from natural habitats can benefit biodiversity while enabling the continued propagation of those species in aquaculture facilities.

Culturing species in controlled environments promotes genetic diversity and ensures the survival of species of concern. Aquaculture activities can reduce exposure to abiotic stressors, such as coastal erosion or wave attenuation, contributing to coastal defense.

Cultured aquatic creatures, like algae, can absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. Culturing organisms instead of catching them in the wild can reduce pressure on wild populations, under certain conditions.

The researchers advocate for an internationally-recognized accreditation model for beneficial aquaculture to encourage the adoption of environmentally-friendly practices in the commercial aquaculture industry. By delineating these ecological benefits, the study aims to bridge the gap between aquaculture and conservation, fostering a more holistic understanding of the industry’s potential positive impacts on the environment.

Source: Lab Manager

Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedhi, a trade union advocating for fishermen’s rights, has raised objections to the “Marine Fish Stock Status of India 2022” report issued by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), labelling it as deceptive. Accusing the scientists involved of crafting a report to align with the government’s agenda, the union is urging for an authentic and evidence-based evaluation.

According to the union, the report, which asserts that over 90% of Indian fish stocks are sustainable, is seen as a tactic to support the government’s alleged strategy to sideline small-scale fishers and facilitate the entry of large mother vessels into Indian waters. Charles George, the president of the union, asserts that the Central government is attempting to emulate the unsuccessful model of large vessel fishing seen in other countries, with the report tailored to endorse this agenda.

A notable inconsistency is highlighted by the union between the recent report and earlier CMFRI studies. In 2021, a CMFRI report stated that only 34% of fish stocks were sustainable. The latest report suggests that the sustainability percentage has surged from 34% to over 90% in just one year—an assertion that the union dismisses as a deceptive maneuver.

President Charles George argues that the report is detrimental to fishermen, disrupts the natural balance, and calls for an outright rejection. The union is advocating for CMFRI scientists to produce a factual, scientifically researched report that accurately portrays the condition of Indian marine stocks.

Fisheries officials from nine Pacific Island nations are currently in Iceland to gain insights from the country’s successful development of a robust and sustainable fisheries sector. This collaborative effort between the World Bank and the Icelandic Government is designed to offer Pacific fisheries experts the chance to learn from Iceland’s journey from a development aid recipient to a global leader in sustainable fisheries.

Over the next 10 days, leaders from Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the regional Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) will explore Iceland’s cutting-edge practices and technologies in sustainable fisheries management. The focus will include best practices in handling raw fish material and examining Iceland’s success in fostering a thriving private fisheries sector.

This initiative, supported by the World Bank’s PROBLUE multi-donor trust fund, aims to contribute to the integrated and sustainable development of marine and coastal resources in the Pacific. Despite the significant geographical difference between Iceland and the Pacific Islands, both regions share similarities in their fisheries sectors. Iceland, with a population of 390,000, has transformed its economy by effectively managing marine resources through a science-based quota system, resulting in an export value of approximately US$2.5 billion, with 70% processed locally for export.

Thor Asgeirsson, Director of Iceland’s GRÓ Fisheries Training Program, noted that Iceland faced challenges similar to those currently experienced by many Pacific countries 50 years ago. However, Iceland’s successful extension of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), coupled with advancements in fisheries management and technology, has propelled it to prosperity.

Xavier Vincent, the World Bank’s Lead Fisheries Specialist for the Pacific, highlighted the significant growth in earnings from tuna fisheries for Pacific Island nations, reaching around $500 million in the last six years. He emphasized the untapped potential in onshore processing and geothermal energy, expressing the delegates’ excitement about these sectors’ prospects in the Pacific.

National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has expressed its commitment to sanction a Rs 1,000 crore loan to the Telangana State Fisheries Federation (TSFF). This financial support is aimed at facilitating the effective implementation of the ongoing Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme in the state. Notably, the Corporation had previously released a loan of Rs 600 crore for the successful execution of the scheme’s first phase.

During a recent meeting at the NCDC headquarters in Delhi, TSFF Chairman Pittala Ravinder and Vice-Chairman Diti Mallaiah held discussions with NCDC Executive Director Ashok Pillai and Deputy Director Patil Nilesh Suresh. They provided insights into the positive impact of the Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme’s first phase, highlighting that approximately 1.18 lakh fishermen had directly benefited from the initiative.

In their discussions, the TSFF officials urged the NCDC to expedite the approval of pending proposals from the Telangana government for the implementation of the second phase of the scheme in the state. In response to these appeals, NCDC officials responded positively, assuring the Federation authorities of their commitment to release a Rs 1,000 crore loan. The NCDC emphasized the need for the State government to submit comprehensive proposals for the second phase, paving the way for necessary action.

This financial support from the NCDC is expected to further bolster Telangana’s efforts in the fisheries sector, building upon the success of the initial phase of the Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme. The allocation of funds underscores the importance of cooperative initiatives and financial support in promoting sustainable development within the fisheries industry.

Bhimavaram,Oct 25: Aquaex India CEO, Mr. Venu Dantuluri, met with Sri. Pathapati Vasu, Chairman of Kshatriya Corporation, to extend a cordial invitation to Aquaex India 2023. The much-anticipated three-day exposition on fisheries and aquaculture is slated to be held from November 2nd to 4th in Bhimavaram, marking a key event in the South Asian fisheries sector.

Aquaex India 2023, the fifth edition of this prominent expo, is poised to host over 200 exhibitors from across the globe. The event aims to address various challenges faced by the aquaculture sector and will feature a Knowledge Conclave, consisting of seminars by industry stalwarts. These seminars will cover a range of topics pertinent to the sector’s growth and sustainability.

Speaking about the event, Chairman Pathapati Vasu urged aqua farmers and industry stakeholders to actively participate, emphasizing the wealth of knowledge and opportunities available. The venue for Aquaex India 2023 is the Radha Krishna Convention Centre in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh.

Supported by government ministries, manufacturers, farmers, academia, scientists, and research bodies, Aquaex India 2023 is going to be a platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices in the fisheries and aquaculture domain. The expo aims to contribute significantly to the growth and advancement of the industry in the region.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has mandated a mandatory public hearing before the commencement of the second and third phases of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project. The directive is perceived as a setback for the international transshipment terminal port near the Kerala capital, which is being implemented in collaboration with Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd.

The decision is seen as a moral victory for the local fishermen community around the port in Thiruvananthapuram, who have been actively opposing the project citing concerns about sea erosion and its impact on their lives and livelihoods. The MoEFCC’s move underscores the need for the affected people to voice their grievances and hardships resulting from the construction of the port.

The Vizhinjam port, a public-private partnership with Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd., has faced criticism from the local community, particularly fishermen who claim the project is causing sea erosion and destroying their homes and livelihoods. The 3.2 km breakwater, a part of the construction, has also raised concerns about its impact on prominent tourist spots like Kovalam and Shanghumugham Beach.

The public hearing is expected to provide a platform for affected individuals to express their concerns and list the challenges they face due to the port’s construction. The MoEFCC’s decision comes after the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) sought exemption and environmental clearance for the next phases, fearing further protests.

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the MoEFCC rejected the demand, emphasizing that public hearings are essential for the approval of further phases. The EAC highlighted that the configuration of the project would change with the construction of new berths in the upcoming phases, necessitating public consultation.

In response, the VISL argued that the expansion works would take place on already acquired land and that holding another public hearing would be a waste of time and resources. However, the EAC insisted that the changing components of the project require a fresh public hearing.

The MoEFCC has directed the VISL to include public concerns and the obligations of project proponents in the amended Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, which will be presented for the second environmental clearance. The amended report is expected to address concerns related to erosion, accretion, and the project’s impact on marine ecology and biodiversity.

The outcome of the public hearing and the amended EIA report will play a crucial role in the European Commission’s decision to grant support for the next phase of the Vizhinjam port construction. Despite the government’s expectations for commercial operations to begin in the first half of 2024, concerns linger as only 65.46 percent of phase one work has been completed, prompting scrutiny and calls for thorough environmental assessments.