World Fisheries Day is celebrated on 21st November every year to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the world.
BACKGROUND
The celebrations started in 1997 when “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” met at New Delhi leading to formation of “World Fisheries Forum” with representatives from 18 countries and signed a declaration advocating for a global mandate of sustainable fishing practices and policies.
PURPOSE
World Fisheries Day is celebrated across the world on 21 November annually. The main purpose behind this day is to highlight the importance of sustainable stocks of fisheries in the world, to strengthen human rights for the small-scale fishing communities, to make a true difference in the working conditions of fishing communities, and to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
The WWF is helping fisheries transition toward more responsible, sustainable practices through fishery improvement projects, or FIPs. These projects are multi-stakeholder efforts to improve fishing practices and management so that species, habitats, and people can all thrive. The FIPs pair the private sector with fisheries’ stakeholders around the world to incentivize positive, enduring change.
FORUM
“The role of fishing ports and their contributions to secure the social sustainability of the sector.”
The global fisheries and aquaculture production is at a record high and the sector will play an increasingly important role in providing food and nutrition in the future, according to a new report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The biannual report, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA 2022), found that fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record 214 million tonnes in 2020, while the consumption of aquatic food (excluding algae) has increased at an average annual rate of 3.0% since 1961, almost twice that of the annual world population growth.
Even though the sustainability of marine fishery resources remains of concern, most of the catch is coming from sustainable sources. The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) are the first international instrument dedicated entirely to the immensely important small-scale fisheries sector.
World Fisheries Day is particularly significant because it underscores both the critical role that fisheries play in global food security and the urgent need to address the environmental and socio-economic challenges facing them. Beyond just a day of celebration, this event is a rallying point for deeper discussions on sustainable practices, innovation in fisheries management, and the well-being of the communities that rely on fisheries.
Special aspects of World Fisheries Day:
1. Global Focus on Sustainability: World Fisheries Day is not only about celebrating the harvest of the oceans but is also a call to action for the sustainable management of marine and freshwater resources. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change are putting immense pressure on fisheries, and this day highlights the need for international cooperation and innovative solutions to protect aquatic ecosystems for future generations.
2. Empowering Local Communities: Fisheries support the livelihoods of over 200 million people worldwide, especially in coastal and rural communities. World Fisheries Day amplifies the voices of small-scale fishers and communities who depend on healthy fish stocks for their survival, advocating for policies that support equitable access to marine resources and fair trade practices.
3. Raising Awareness on Marine Conservation: The day often features educational campaigns that promote conservation efforts, such as sustainable fishing methods (e.g., banning destructive fishing gear or promoting catch limits) and habitat restoration projects like coral reef protection and mangrove replanting.
4. Celebrating Traditional Knowledge: Many indigenous and local communities have honed sustainable fishing practices over centuries. World Fisheries Day serves as a platform to highlight the value of traditional ecological knowledge in preserving biodiversity and managing fisheries effectively, showing how modern science and traditional wisdom can work hand in hand.
5. Partnerships for Global Action: On this day, international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Oceans 5 often collaborate with governments, NGOs, and private stakeholders to strengthen partnerships that focus on better policies, innovative technologies, and stronger regulations for marine resource management. Showcasing Positive Change: Through events, conferences, and campaigns, World Fisheries Day also celebrates positive strides being made in fisheries management, such as the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), successful fishery restoration programs, and the adoption of eco-labeling for sustainably sourced seafood. In essence, World Fisheries Day serves as both a celebration of the invaluable role of fisheries in global culture and economy, as well as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to ensure their sustainability for generations to come.
World Fisheries Day: ‘Christians Cannot Look the Other Way’
With over 58 million people working in the fishing sector, Cardinal Michael Czerny releases a message for World Fisheries Day, warning against the aggressive economic model that has harmed the environment.
By Kielce Gussie
Each year, the United Nations celebrates World Fisheries Day on November 21 to underscore the importance of maintaining sustainable stocks of fisheries worldwide, eliminating illegal and unregulated fishing, and furthering human rights for small-scale fishing communities. This year's theme is "Let the waters teem with living creatures," inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Fishing: An Ancient Form of Work
“Fishing, which is one of the most ancient forms of human work,” the Prefect explained, “has greatly changed in many parts of the world.” The causes of this change deal with “the harm done to our common home.” The relationship between human work and care for the environment has become unbalanced due to the use of “predatory practices and technology for the benefit of an increasingly influential and powerful minority.”
Over 58 Million People Work in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector
With over 58 million people involved in the field of fisheries and aquaculture worldwide, Cardinal Czerny warned against turning a blind eye toward actions that disregard care for the environment. He said, “The Church shares in the joys and hopes but also the sorrows and grief of humanity, who must now place an emphasis on fraternity rather than the ‘globalization of indifference’ to protect and preserve the environment.”
“A technological development can exist and be pursued that is capable of upholding the dignity and security of labour, and restoring a balance between individuals, work, and the environment. Lawmakers, too, can stand back from the great interests of a few and intervene on behalf of small communities, family businesses, and organizations of fishers who, given suitable assurances, are in a position to contribute more directly and effectively to the common good,” he warned.
The Cardinal then pointed out that fishermen “cooperate in the building of a world more faithful to God’s dreams” because “theirs is a vocation to care for the sea, which must be protected within the purview of an integral, widespread, and people-oriented ecology.”
“This is also our prayer, as we entrust to the intercession of Mary, Star of the Sea, the concerns and aspirations of fishers and all those who benefit from their work,” Cardinal Czerny concluded.
Examples of World Fisheries Day Activities
High-Level Events: These events, held at the FAO headquarters in Rome, discuss topics such as social protection and fisheries policies.
Speaking Engagements: Some events feature speakers who discuss topics such as scientific farming practices and sustainable fish farming.
Legitimate Tenure Rights: Discussions center on securing marine resources vital for the livelihoods and socio-cultural well-being of small-scale fishers, indigenous, local, and traditional communities. Transparent and accountable mechanisms guarantee the inclusion and active participation of these groups in meetings, delegations, and side events. Efforts are also directed towards facilitating their active involvement in implementing these agreements.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainability
“We stand ready to collaborate with world leaders and institutions to fulfill these requests with the aim of safeguarding the ocean and inland waters, their invaluable resources, and the communities who rely upon them. Together, we can strive for a future where the ocean and freshwater are a source of equitable, sustainable, and shared prosperity for all.”
Notable Contributors:
Lloyd Nelmes – Sea Trust Wales
Tobias Troll – Seas at Risk
Fernando Reis – SEI, Sharks Educational Institute
Alex Hofford – Shark Guardian
Cristina Villanueva – Small-Scale Fisheries Resource and Collaboration Hub (SSF Hub)
Prasad Jaladi – Suraksha
Susie Crick – Surfrider Foundation Australia
Marcelo Lino Morales Yokobori – Universidad de Belgrano / Mundus Maris
References
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=8997844 9&url=https://www.ecocalendar.eu/FishingDay&ved=2ahUKEwj88rX 5u-uJAxUtxTgGHYahMSoQFnoECDoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1i3NX8rd IFSu8RAkioxeYR
Written By-
Name- Kajal
Department- Philosophy
Year- 2nd
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