On World Fisheries Day this year, the Centre will unveil a National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture to establish a centralised digital traceability system and ensure compliance with domestic and international regulations, promote food safety, enhance sustainability, and improve market access.
As many as 27 countries will participate in a mega event to mark the World Fisheries Day on November 21, aimed at highlighting India’s deepening global partnerships in the ‘blue economy’.
Being organised by the Department of Fisheries, this year’s theme, “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports”, highlights the nation’s resolve to elevate its marine and freshwater aquatic products into high-value, globally competitive products, officials say.
Several key interventions for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture will also be launched—including SOPs for mariculture, guidelines for smart and integrated harbours, guidelines for fish landing centres, guidelines for reservoir fisheries management, and a compendium of coastal aquaculture guidelines. Together, they will form a comprehensive blueprint for responsible growth across the aquatic landscape in India, they added.
The event will also host two technical sessions bringing together policymakers, seafood exporters, industrial entrepreneurs, start-ups, and other stakeholders.
The technical session on “Enhancing Growth through Value Addition in Fisheries and Aquaculture” will focus on exploring diversification and innovation in value-added seafood products, branding, packaging, improving standards and certification, and strengthening infrastructure. The session will also be held on “Harnessing Export Potential of Indian Inland States/UTs with Focus on Freshwater Fish Species”.