HISTORY:
World Fisheries Day is observed globally on 21st November by fishing communities all over. It focuses on the need of maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem for marine animals.
We observe the 6th World Fisheries Day this year. The first World Fisheries Day was celebrated on 21st November, 2015. As a matter of fact, New Delhi hosted the grand opening of the International Fisherman’s organization, on the same day!
HOW TO CELEBRATE The Fisheries Day
1.Attend a fishery sustainability workshop
Fisheries are a vital part of our ecosystem and food resources across the globe. On World Fisheries Day one cab signed up for an online workshop to learn about sustainable methods to keep our ocean ecosystems alive and productive. There are various events across the globe that celebrate this day. If one can’t find an event near themselves, they can organize a workshop with like-minded friends and family.
2.Get involved with the fisher folk community.
Fishermen contribute greatly to resource the fishes for food . If they are supported in any way they can be really helpful in developing the nation. We can raise funds for their charity events, whether they hold a rally or public meeting, to increase awareness of fisheries around the world . This will help us to know where our fish comes from (region) and how they can be sustained.
3.Take care of your environment
The oceans and fisheries become cleaner and more sustainable when our environment is less filled with rubbish. This includes taking care of rivers, dams, and the sea as these are important habitats for fish and aquatic organisms. Whenever one goes camping, hiking, or the beach, they should be sure to pick up any rubbish that they see along the way. Try to educate people as well about the devastating impact of rubbish and to reduce the amount of plastic waste.
CURRENT STATUS OF FISHERIES
Fisheries sector has been recognized as a ‘Sunrise Sector’ and has demonstrated an outstanding double-digit average annual growth of 10.87%since 2014-15. The sector has reached record fish production of 142 lakh tons in FY 2019-20 and has immense potential for growth. Moreover, it has been instrumental in sustaining the livelihoods of over 28 million people in India especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities and has contributed towards encouraging socio-economic development.
India is the second largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.56% of global production and contributing about 1.24% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 7.28% to the agricultural GVA. Fisheries and aquaculture continue to be an important source of food, nutrition, income and livelihood to millions of people. Export earnings from the Fisheries sector has been Rs.46,662.85 crores during 2019-20. The sector provides livelihood support to about 280 lakh people at the primary level and almost twice the number along the value chain and the annual average growth rate in the Fisheries sector has been 7% over the last few years. Fish being an affordable and rich source of animal protein, is one of the healthiest options to mitigate hunger and nutrient deficiency. The sector has immense potential to double its exports, it is essential that sustained and focused attention is given to the fisheries sector through policy and financial support to accelerate its development in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner.
TYPES OF FISHERIES:
Fisheries are referred to as the raising and harvesting sites of wild marine and freshwater fishes for economical reasons.
Fisheries are of two types:
1. Marine Fisheries:
Marine fisheries are found within 7500 km of coastline and deep seas further. Fishermen catch marine fish via different kinds of fishing nets through fishing boats. Some marine fishes of high economical value are also found in seawater.
E.g. Saradins, Mackerel, Tuna and Bombay duck.
2. Inland/Freshwater Fisheries:
These are the Fisheries that are found in freshwater resources like reservoirs, canals etc. More intensive fish farming can be done in composite fish culture in this type of fishery. In such a system, a combination of five or six fish species is used in a single fishpond.
E.g. Mrigals, Catlas, Rohu and many more
WAYS TO PROTECT FISHERIES FROM POLLUTION
“When it comes to marine life, our existence depends upon their existence.” -June Stoyer, environmental advocate.
● Ban single use plastic and adopt litter control policies to prevent direct littering into drainage systems and waterways, better maintenance of drainage systems, beach and harbor cleanup services; and community-led programs for clean-ups.
● Encourage reduction of use of non-biodegradable products or packaging, as well as reuse of plastic items.
● Increase treatment, recycling and reuse of wastewater.
● Identify chemical pollutants hotspots, control the use and release of chemicals in artisanal mining.Promote recycling of used oil in urban areas.
● Partner with industries to implement better practices for the storage and handling of pollutants, and discharges from industrial sites.
● Incentives might be given including subsidies for pollution control, permit systems for “green” businesses with pollution, deposit-refund systems, and pricing approaches.
● Reinforce institutional and legal framework to address marine pollution at regional and national levels.
● Public-private partnerships should also be established to provide financing, improve public awareness.
REFERENCES
● https://medium.com/world-of-opportunity/12-steps-to-fight-marine-pollution-in-the-caribbean-28523007a9c7
●https://byjusexamprep-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/byjusexamprep.com/current-affairs/world-fisheries-day_amp?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16685328047894&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com& share=https%3A%2F%2Fbyjusexamprep.com%2f Current-affairs%2f World-fisheries-day
https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-fisheries-day-21st-november
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