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European Parliament has recently voted on the Fishing Control Regulation (FCR), marking the most significant fisheries reform in a decade. The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) enthusiastically welcomes this reform, particularly highlighting the introduction of mandatory Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM), including CCTV, for a substantial portion of the EU fleet. The primary objective is to enhance monitoring and ensure compliance with EU rules, especially regarding the discarding of fish.

A key aspect of the regulation is its focus on combating forced labor, aligning with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention (1930). The FCR recognizes that conducting fishing activities with the use of forced labor contradicts the objectives of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and undermines a level-playing field in the industry. This focus gains significance in light of recent revelations concerning human rights abuses, including forced labor, in China’s distant-water fleet.

These groundbreaking measures position the EU to lead a global charge in creating a more just, fair, and sustainable fishing industry worldwide, according to EJF. With the European Parliament’s approval of the FCR reform, the NGO urges the European Union to take swift action on several critical fronts:

Mandating REM Internationally: The EU, having embraced REM for a significant part of its fleet, should intensify efforts to establish mandatory REM regimes on an international scale, particularly within Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs). These organizations play a crucial role in regulating global fishing activities. EJF emphasizes the need to eradicate human rights abuses, including forced labor, in areas governed by RFMOs, such as the Indian Ocean.

Addressing Forced Labor: The EU should take a lead role internationally in implementing urgent and concrete measures to reduce vulnerability to human and labor rights abuse among fishing crews. This includes advocating for consistent alignment of RFMO rules with international human and labor rights conventions.

The overarching goal is to level the playing field, eliminate systemic human rights abuses, and prevent the overexploitation of fish stocks vital to the livelihoods of many developing countries. The EU’s commitment to combating forced labor, coupled with the adoption of Remote Electronic Monitoring, marks a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of sustainable and ethical fishing practices.

Source: Environmental Justice Foundation

Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, is gearing up to host the “Global Fisheries Conclave – 2023” at Science City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The theme for this international event is “Celebrating India’s Aquaculture Wealth: A Journey to Sustainability.”

The conclave aims to provide a unified platform for a diverse range of stakeholders, including international delegates, government officials, representatives from the fishing industry, E-Commerce professionals, academicians, consultants, policymakers, researchers, manufacturers, dealers, distributors, importers, exporters, processors, wholesalers, fishers, fish farmers, fisheries and aquaculture workers, fish vendors, entrepreneurs, and other key players in the fisheries sector. The event will facilitate the exchange of views on recent technologies, marketing strategies, educational sessions, article/research paper submissions, business pitches, demonstrations, and the application of digital technologies in fisheries.

One of the highlights of the conclave is the proposed international exhibition, where recent developments in the global fisheries sector will be showcased. This exhibition aims to provide insights into cutting-edge technologies and innovations that have emerged on the international stage.

The agenda includes various interactive sessions such as knowledge-sharing forums, article/research paper submissions, business pitches, and technology demonstrations. Additionally, there will be international pavilions featuring technology demonstrations and opportunities, as well as a food mela. A brainstorming session is also planned to address the sector’s current needs.

The “Global Fisheries Conclave – 2023” is poised to be a comprehensive event that not only celebrates India’s achievements in aquaculture but also serves as a platform for collaboration and the exchange of ideas at the global level. Stay tuned for updates on this significant event that promises to shape the future of the fisheries sector

Dal Lake, renowned for its picturesque beauty, is facing a crisis as thousands of small fish are found dead, floating in various parts of the lake. Local residents express shock, stating that such a large-scale fish mortality is unprecedented. The stench from the dead fish is affecting the ambiance, and residents are urging authorities to investigate the cause.

Abdul Rashid, a local resident, expressed his concern, saying, “Fish used to die, but they used to be few and mostly big ones. This time it’s the small fish that have died in huge numbers. I have not seen this in my lifetime. God knows how these fish have died, and now the authorities should look into it.”

The residents are speculating about potential causes, including the use of de-weeding machines or exposure to chemicals. The issue is not only impacting the local ecosystem but is also affecting tourism, as the lake emits a foul odor.

Experts, however, attribute the fish deaths to growing pollution in Dal Lake. Despite continuous cleaning efforts by authorities over the years, the water quality has not shown significant improvement. Dr. Feroz Ahmad Bhat, Dean, Faculty of Fisheries at SKUAST-K, stated, “We call this phenomenon fish kill. Wherever there is a stagnant water body, lakes or wetlands, due to pollution load or organic load, there is a natural phenomenon that there will be oxygen depletion due to which fish can die.”

Authorities responsible for Dal Lake argue that the mass fish deaths are due to thermal stratification—a change in temperature at different depths in the lake. They reassure the public that it’s a normal occurrence and not a cause for panic. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, VC of Lakes and Conservation Management Authority (LCMA), stated, “We have done the preliminary analysis and found that it’s the thermal stratification which has caused it. There is no need to panic. It’s an annual affair.”

However, residents remain skeptical, and the authorities are awaiting final results from detailed investigations to determine the exact cause of the fish deaths. As concerns escalate, the incident underscores the urgency of addressing pollution and environmental challenges faced by Dal Lake

Source: WION

In a collaborative effort between Indian and German researchers, led by Dr. Ralf Britz of Senckenberg Natural History Collections, a groundbreaking discovery has been made in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The team, including scientists from the University of Kochi and Shiv Nadar University, conducted a comprehensive six-year study on the catfish genus Horaglanis, thriving in the darkness of local aquifers.

Published in the journal Vertebrate Zoology, the study utilized a unique Citizen Science approach, engaging local communities to contribute valuable information on the distribution, genetics, and evolutionary history of these tiny, three-centimetre-long catfish. The researchers discovered a new species, Horaglanis populi, through genetic studies, expanding our understanding of the subterranean aquatic habitats.

Dr. Britz emphasized the significance of this almost unknown biotope, with less than 10% of the 289 known fish species in subterranean aquatic habitats residing in aquifers. The Horaglanis genus, characterized by its small size, blindness, and lack of pigments, posed a challenge for study, as these elusive fish typically surface during well-digging or cleaning activities.

The collaboration with local citizen scientists proved instrumental in documenting the biodiversity of these hidden species. Workshops, focus group discussions, and informal conversations were conducted over the six-year period, involving communities at various sites, including type localities of known Horaglanis species.

The researchers employed a multi-faceted approach, combining citizen science with targeted collection efforts using nets and traps in wells, wetlands, water channels, home gardens, and plantations. The data collected revealed 47 new site detections and 65 new genetic sequences, highlighting the genetic diversity of Horaglanis in the region.

The newly identified species, Horaglanis populi, measuring no more than 32 millimetres and characterized by its eyeless form and blood-red body, was named in honour of the Latin word for ‘people’—populi. This acknowledges the crucial role played by the local population in contributing to the research and the discovery of the new species.

Despite their small size, species like Horaglanis populi are at a high risk of extinction, particularly due to threats posed by groundwater extraction and mining in densely populated landscapes. The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive conservation approach involving stakeholders, including the local population, to ensure the survival of these enigmatic subterranean catfishes in Kerala.

Source: Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum

College of Fisheries (COF) at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University organized a three-day training program titled “Intensive Aquaculture Systems – Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) and Biofloc-Based Aquaculture System (BFAS)” with a vision to promote modern aquaculture techniques. This initiative falls under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India.

The training program, conducted at the ‘Capacity Building Resource Centre for Intensive Aquaculture Technologies,’ attracted 43 participants, including five state fisheries officers, 38 aspiring farmers/entrepreneurs/students from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and union territories Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir. Notably, 10 women candidates actively participated in the program.

Meera D Ansal, Dean COF, highlighted the substantial demand for climate-smart intensive aquaculture technologies like RAS and BFAS in the region. These technologies, characterized by reduced water and land requirements (10-15%) and increased productivity (15-20 times) compared to traditional pond aquaculture, have gained popularity, especially in urban areas.

Vaneet Inder Kaur, Principal Scientist (Fisheries), coordinated the training program, which included practical demonstrations and sessions conducted by technical coordinators SN Datta and Amit Mandal.

Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education, emphasized the significance of the capacity-building resource centre as a PMMSY-funded training facility dedicated to promoting intensive aquaculture technologies.

Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, underscored the proactive role of PMMSY in promoting fisheries activities nationwide. He highlighted the university’s capacity-building centre as a crucial asset, expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity and climate resilience of the aquaculture sector, with a focus on minimizing water usage and ensuring enhanced biosecurity for food safety.

In a move to boost fish farming and enhance fish production in Puducherry, Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has given the green light to increase the input subsidy provided to inland fishermen.

According to a press note from Raj Nivas, the Lieutenant Governor approved the proposal from the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen’s Welfare, raising the subsidy from ₹7,500 to ₹8,500 per acre under the Development of Freshwater Aquaculture scheme.

This initiative aims to incentivize fish farming activities and contribute to the overall growth of the fisheries sector in the region.

‘International Conclave on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance and Strengthening of Fisheries Management Measures in the Indo-Pacific Region’ was inau

gurated by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in Mahabalipuram. The event, which took place on Tuesday, featured key officials such as Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, and Ms. Neetu Prasad, Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries.

Dr. Likhi detailed initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), highlighting measures aimed at adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change in the fisheries sector. These initiatives encompassed the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), focusing on assessing fish diseases linked to climate change, promoting renewable energy use in fishing operations, and installing biodigester toilets on fishing vessels to curb marine pollution.

Concurrently, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, organized a ‘Brainstorming Session on India’s Preparedness for Adapting to Climate Change in Marine Fisheries.’ Attended by national and international scientific personnel, the session delved into the status of Indian fisheries in relation to climate change and discussed adaptation strategies.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative in India, Dr. Takayuki Hagiwara, commended the event, urging member countries to align their efforts with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the fisheries sector’s livelihood, nutrition, and welfare. Emphasizing the significance of gender inclusiveness for nutritional security and Blue transformation, the FAO representative underscored the enduring nature of climate change challenges.

Dignitaries at the event included Dr. Piero Mannini, Senior Fisheries Officer, FAO; Dr. Darius Campbell, Chair of the Regional Fisheries Bodies Secretariat Network; Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP-IGO; Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR; Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board, and other senior officers from the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, State Governments, Universities, and Research Institutes. The FAO representative emphasized the need for sustained focus on SDGs in addressing climate change challenges in the fisheries sector.

The Kamrup district administration in Assam has launched the ‘Matsya Paripusti’ initiative in the Bongaon block in an effort to bolster child nutrition during Rastriya Poshan Maah. This program, jointly implemented by various departments including Fisheries, Social Welfare, Elementary Education, Health and Family Welfare, along with technical support from the College of Fisheries Raha and World Fish, aims to improve the nutritional profile of children aged 3 to 10 years.

Supported by the World Bank and funded by the APART Project of the ARIAS Society, Government of Assam, ‘Matsya Paripusti’ is a supplementary nutrition program to be implemented through Anganwadi Centres and LP schools in the Bongaon Block. The innovative initiative focuses on enhancing dietary diversity and micronutrient intake among children.

Notably, more than 100 Anganwadi centers and LP schools in the Bongaon development block have been selected to reach out to approximately 4000 children aged 3 to 6 and 6 to 10 years old in pre-school and LP schools, respectively.

A groundbreaking aspect of the initiative is the introduction of fish powder as a dietary component for schoolchildren, marking the first of its kind in India. Dr. Sanjay Sarma, Fishery Coordinator (APART), highlighted this aspect during the program’s launch, officiated by Sujata Gogoi, Additional District Commissioner.

Prior to the launch, comprehensive training programs were organized for various stakeholders, including Anganwadi workers, helpers, mothers committee representatives, supervisors, CDPO, LP school headmasters, CRCC, cooks, and school management committee members. These sessions, including cooking demonstrations, were conducted by Dr. Baishnaba Charan Ratha, Senior Specialist in Nutrition and Public Health from WorldFish.

WorldFish is playing a crucial role in providing scientific evidence and technical support for the project’s implementation under the joint supervision of the district administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and in collaboration with the APART project and the India Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This initiative reflects a holistic approach to addressing child nutrition, combining scientific expertise, technical support, and collaboration between various entities to ensure its success in Assam’s Bongaon block.

Jagdish Fofandi, the President of the Seafood Exporters’ Association of India and newly appointed Vice President of India’s Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), emphasized the urgent need for nationwide improvements in aquaculture infrastructure. Fofandi specifically called for the expansion of shrimp aquaculture into Kerala state.

India, having achieved a record-breaking USD 8.47 billion in seafood exports in the last fiscal year, aims to further elevate this figure to USD 14 billion by 2025. Fofandi attributed this success to consistent demand from existing markets and the exploration of new markets. However, he highlighted areas where India is trailing behind its shrimp business rival, Ecuador.

Fofandi pointed out that Ecuador surpasses India in investment in developing and disseminating quality seed and aquafeed. He also noted the challenge of maintaining affordable electricity, a factor where India lags behind Ecuador. In light of this, Fofandi urged the Indian government to enhance support for the aquaculture sector and make more land available for shrimp farming.

One specific focus of Fofandi’s call to action is the expansion of shrimp farming in Kerala, a state in the southern part of India. Currently, Andhra Pradesh dominates India’s shrimp production, with Gujarat and Odisha following closely. Fofandi stressed the need for concerted efforts to revive shrimp production in South Gujarat, which experienced a significant decline from 90,000 metric tons two years ago to 30,000 metric tons last year.

India’s standing in wild-caught shrimp has faced challenges, with Vietnam and Thailand taking the lead. The U.S. ban on Indian shrimp exports, attributed to concerns about turtle-excluder devices, has contributed to this setback. Fofandi urged the government to address this issue and work towards restoring trade relations with Japan, a once-major destination for Indian seafood. He expressed concern about declining demand from Japan, even for the typically sought-after surimi.

As India pursues its ambitious seafood export target, Fofandi stressed the importance of addressing these challenges promptly to ensure the sustained growth and competitiveness of the Indian aquaculture sector.

Source: The Hindu