News

Thiruvananthapuram: A groundbreaking initiative to enhance sustainable fishing and bolster coastal livelihoods through fish seed deposition and the installation of artificial reefs was inaugurated on Wednesday at Vizhinjam North Harbor. Union Minister of State for Fisheries, George Kurian, officially launched the project.

The event, presided over by Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, was attended by MP Shashi Tharoor, Mayor Arya Rajendran, Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Ports K.S. Srinivas, Fisheries Director Abdul Nasser B., and other notable officials.

The central and state governments aim to deploy artificial reefs across the coastal waters of nine marine districts. In the initial phase, 6,300 artificial reefs have been placed at 42 sites along the Thiruvananthapuram coastline. The project received ₹13.02 crore in funding, shared between the central and state governments in a 60:40 ratio.

Furthermore, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has approved ₹3 crore for a sea ranching plan designed to boost fish populations. This involves depositing fish seeds, including pompano and cobia, at a rate of one lakh per reef, totalling 10 lakh seeds across 10 designated artificial reef locations. Juvenile fish weighing between 8 and 10 grams are being released as part of the program.

The project is poised to strengthen fish stocks in the region, ensuring long-term sustainability for the marine ecosystem and offering significant benefits to traditional fishing communities.

The Andhra Pradesh State Fisheries Department is gearing up to establish a mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) hatchery across a five-acre plot in Chira Yanam, located within the Godavari estuary in Katrenikona mandal, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

On Saturday, Fisheries Commissioner T. Dola Shankar and Sundeep, Director of the Sustainable Coastal Management Division under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), convened discussions with District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar in Amalapuram to finalize the project’s timeline and execution. The officials also conducted a site inspection at the proposed location.

In an official statement, Mr. Mahesh Kumar confirmed, “A five-acre parcel of land at Chira Yanam has been allocated for the Scylla serrata hatchery, which will be developed with a funding of ₹2.7 crore.”

Currently, Tamil Nadu is home to the nation’s only operational mangrove crab hatchery.

The coastal communities of Andhra Pradesh, including the Yanadi tribal groups, rely heavily on harvesting mangrove crabs from the Krishna and Godavari mangrove ecosystems. However, since 2018, commercial farming of the species in the state has struggled due to seed quality issues and disease outbreaks. Shrimp farmers, particularly in the former Krishna district, faced significant financial losses when they attempted Scylla serrata cultivation.

The Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA-Chennai) introduced crab fattening technology to Andhra Pradesh as a potential solution, but it failed to deliver the anticipated results.

This new hatchery is expected to address these challenges by providing high-quality crab seeds and revitalizing the prospects for mangrove crab cultivation in the state.

The observance of Kartika Masam, a sacred month dedicated to Lord Shiva, has had a pronounced impact on the fisheries sector, with demand for fish and seafood experiencing a sharp decline. This traditional period, marked by abstinence from non-vegetarian foods, has led to a glut in the market and a steep drop in prices.

In seafood markets, the price of Katla fish has fallen drastically, from ₹250 per kilogram to ₹150. Wholesale traders are grappling with excess stock as large supplies of prawns and other fish arrive in the market, overwhelming the limited demand. “The Kartika season always brings a slowdown, but the scale of this year’s surplus has made it particularly difficult,” noted a prawn wholesaler.

Chicken and mutton markets are also feeling the effects of reduced consumer interest, with prices dropping by around 15% compared to the previous month. However, it is the fisheries sector that has borne the brunt, as seafood constitutes a significant portion of non-vegetarian consumption in the region.

To offset the losses, many seafood sellers are lowering prices in an attempt to attract buyers, while some vendors have temporarily scaled back operations. Despite these efforts, weekend footfall at markets has been sparse, reflecting the cultural significance of the month and its influence on consumption patterns.

On a brighter note, this dip in demand has provided an opportunity for seafood enthusiasts to purchase fish and prawns at much lower prices. Restaurants specializing in non-vegetarian cuisine are also introducing special offers to sustain business during this lean period.

As the demand for fish remains subdued, the focus shifts to the resilience of the fisheries sector, which continues to adapt to the seasonal changes dictated by cultural traditions like Kartika Masam.

Bengaluru: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to amplify credit disbursement to Kerala’s fisheries sector as part of a broader push to strengthen allied agricultural industries in southern India. During a meeting with 10 RRBs from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Puducherry, Sitharaman emphasized collaboration with state government departments to enhance financial flows to fisheries, dairy, and animal husbandry.

Highlighting Kerala’s untapped potential in fisheries, she stressed that improving credit access in this sector could significantly bolster the state’s economy.

Sitharaman also discussed major initiatives for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including the Rs 100 crore credit guarantee scheme announced in the Union Budget. She revealed that the proposal would soon be presented to the Union Cabinet.

“This specialized credit guarantee corpus will provide critical support to MSMEs during challenging times, ensuring they can secure working capital and term loans without third-party collateral,” Sitharaman stated. The scheme will be rolled out through the MSME Ministry and public sector banks following Cabinet approval.

The Odisha state Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved the Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY), a transformative scheme aimed at boosting the fisheries sector. With a massive budget of ₹2,239 crore, the initiative will be implemented over five years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29.

Objective and Coverage:

The MMKY aims to provide comprehensive support to the state’s fishing community, enhancing livelihoods, promoting sustainable fisheries, and ensuring economic growth. The scheme will benefit an estimated 14 lakh individuals, including:

• 6.67 lakh fishers, who are directly involved in fishing activities.
• 7.32 lakh members of women’s self-help groups (WSHGs), empowering women to play a larger role in the fisheries value chain.

Scope of the Scheme:

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja outlined that the scheme comprises 17 sub-schemes, each tailored to address specific challenges and opportunities within the fisheries sector. These sub-schemes are expected to cover areas such as:

• Infrastructure development, including the construction and modernization of fishing harbors, landing centers, and cold storage facilities.
• Financial support and subsidies for the acquisition of modern fishing equipment and boats.
• Skill development programs to train fishers and WSHG members in advanced aquaculture techniques and value addition.
• Welfare measures like insurance coverage, health benefits, and pension schemes for fishers and their families.
• Conservation efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect marine and inland ecosystems.

Expected Impact:
The MMKY is projected to drive economic growth by increasing fish production, improving the income of fishing communities, and creating new employment opportunities. It will also empower women through self-help groups, encouraging their active participation in the fisheries sector.

By addressing critical gaps in infrastructure, technology, and welfare, the initiative aligns with Odisha’s broader vision of achieving sustainability and self-reliance in fisheries.

Government’s Commitment:

This flagship scheme reflects the government’s commitment to uplift marginalized communities and ensure that the fisheries sector remains a vital contributor to the state’s economy. It also reinforces the state’s focus on achieving inclusive growth by supporting both traditional fishers and emerging entrepreneurs in the sector.

The Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana is expected to become a model initiative, setting a benchmark for other states to emulate in promoting sustainable and equitable development in the fisheries industry.

In Odisha’s Kendrapara district, the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department has announced a compensation plan for approximately 16,500 fishermen impacted by the annual fishing ban during the Olive ridley sea turtles’ nesting season. The ban is enforced at the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam, and Devi beach in Puri, where the endangered turtles come ashore for mass nesting.

Rabi Narayan Patnaik, Deputy Director (Marine) of the Fisheries Department, noted that compensation for affected fishermen in Kendrapara began in 2016, starting at ₹5,000 annually for 2,000 fishermen. Last year, this support was increased to ₹15,000, benefiting around 15,000 individuals. This year, ₹15,000 will once again be provided as compensation to each eligible fisherman impacted by the ban.

Despite these efforts, local fishing communities are calling for more comprehensive support. Prasanna Behera, President of the Odisha Traditional Fish Workers’ Union, highlighted the wider impact, estimating that around 50,000 fishermen in Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts are affected by the restrictions, which began on November 1 and will extend until May 31.

Behera explained that the union has repeatedly requested alternative income sources and fair compensation for losses incurred during the seven-month prohibition. He cited a Central Empowerment Committee directive, which advises the establishment of alternative livelihoods before such bans are implemented. “The compensation of ₹15,000 for only 16,500 fishermen is inadequate, especially given the long duration of the ban,” he remarked, underscoring the need for additional measures to support the entire fishing community during this period.

A delegation led by Telangana Fishermen Cooperative Federation Ltd. Chairman Mettu Sai Kumar has completed a three-day study tour of Karnataka, aimed at enhancing the state’s fisheries sector. The visit, which took place from November 11 to 13, included stops in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and other key regions renowned for their expertise in fish farming and marketing practices.

During the tour, the delegation observed advanced techniques and sustainable practices employed in Karnataka’s fisheries sector. Insights gathered are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Telangana’s upcoming fisheries policy.

Chairman Mettu Sai Kumar confirmed that the findings from the visit would contribute to a robust framework designed to improve the livelihoods of fishermen and promote sustainable fish farming across Telangana. He stated that the policy will prioritize transparency, efficiency, and modern practices to position Telangana as a leader in fisheries management.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector through learning from successful models in other states, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability for the industry.

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) hosted an International Conclave on Next-Gen Technologies in the Seafood Sector on 30th August 2024 in Kochi. This event served as a platform to showcase advanced technologies capable of seamless integration into the seafood value chain with minimal modifications. The conclave witnessed active participation from stakeholders across the seafood sector, researchers, academicians, bankers, and fisheries administrators.

Continuing its efforts to promote technology adoption, MPEDA is organizing a series of webinars featuring industry technocrats. These webinars aim to familiarize stakeholders, students, and researchers with emerging technologies and encourage their application at the field level.

The next webinar, titled “Realtime Geo-Spatial Analysis for Aquaculture”, will be conducted by Mr. Pranit Meheta, Co-founder and Vice President of GalaxEye Space. The session is scheduled for 3:00 PM on 18th November 2024.

Participants are encouraged to attend this insightful webinar through the Zoom platform.

Webinar Details:

• Date: 18th November 2024
• Time: 3:00 PM (Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi)
• Zoom Link: Join Meeting
• Meeting ID: 993 6593 5543
• Passcode: 272250

This initiative aligns with MPEDA’s mission to modernize and strengthen the seafood sector by embracing cutting-edge technologies.

The Investors Meet 2024, held on November 14 at Swaraj Dweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, showcased emerging investment prospects in fisheries and aquaculture in the region. Organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), the event attracted a strong assembly of officials, including Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K. Joshi, and other key ministry representatives.

The event spotlighted investment opportunities within the islands’ 6 lakh sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), rich in high-value tuna and largely untapped resources. With an estimated tuna yield potential of 60,000 metric tons but current outputs at only 4,420 metric tons, stakeholders and investors from across the country—including prominent companies like Merchant Ventures Pvt. Ltd., Uday Aqua Connects Pvt. Ltd., and Sea6 Energy Pvt. Ltd.—gathered to explore avenues for expansion.

A dedicated Tuna Cluster was announced by the Department of Fisheries as part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), marking a substantial step towards strengthening India’s blue economy. Union Minister Singh underscored recent government initiatives in fisheries under programs like PMMSY, PM-MSYK, and the Blue Revolution, which have collectively drawn an unprecedented ₹38,572 crore investment since 2015. He urged investors to consider the region’s potential as a central point for fish exports, strategically situated near Southeast Asia with expanded trade routes on the horizon.

Logistics and connectivity emerged as pivotal themes. Lieutenant Governor Joshi spoke to the challenges of limited access and lengthy trade clearance times, which stem from the absence of MPEDA and EIC offices in the region. These barriers will be eased with the introduction of a new direct flight between Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Southeast Asia on November 16, intended to streamline trade connections. Port Blair now houses newly established MPEDA and EIC desks to facilitate export processes, making the region more accessible to global markets.

Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for MoFAH&D and Minority Affairs, highlighted the unique ecological and economic advantages of the islands. The Andaman & Nicobar EEZ offers pristine resources for tuna and other high-value marine species, ideal for sustainable fishing practices. Kurian encouraged a balanced approach to resource utilization, mindful of the environmental impact.

Innovation and technology also played a role in the discussions. Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel noted advancements in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc technology, both central to the government’s vision for a modern fisheries sector. Safety initiatives like transponder installations on fishing vessels were introduced to protect fishermen at sea, while Baghel emphasized the sector’s readiness to adopt sustainable practices to mitigate climate challenges.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), addressed India’s strides in marine exports, noting growth fueled by expanded processing and storage infrastructure. He highlighted the potential of emerging aquaculture sectors such as sea cage culture and marine ornamental fisheries, calling for increased private sector involvement to drive economic development and biodiversity protection.

The Investors Meet 2024 brought together fishers, entrepreneurs, and government leaders, all committed to advancing Andaman & Nicobar’s role in India’s fisheries industry. The islands are primed for transformative growth, with initiatives set to make the region a powerful contributor to India’s fisheries exports and blue economy.