New Delhi, India – February 12-15, 2025
The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), a triennial scientific forum organized by the Asian Fisheries Society, took place in New Delhi, India, from February 12 to 15, 2025. This event served as a crucial platform for discussing global trends and addressing challenges in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Under the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific,” the forum facilitated the exchange of innovative ideas and research experiences, emphasizing sustainable development goals and the balance between economic advancement and ecological conservation.
Inauguration and Participation
The forum was inaugurated by India’s Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Over 1,000 delegates from 24 countries participated, including researchers, scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders. This diverse participation highlighted the global importance of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Technical Sessions and Parallel Events
The forum featured 15 technical sessions covering a wide range of topics crucial to the advancement of fisheries and aquaculture. These sessions included:
- Sustainable Fisheries
- Sustainable Aquaculture Intensification and Diversification
- Fish Marketing, Value Chains, and Trade
- Fisheries Policy, Law, and Governance
Parallel events included the Dialogue on Riverine Fisheries and Ecology, an International Development Research Centre (IDRC)-WorldFish Panel Discussion, a Symposium on “Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness,” and an Academia-Industry-Government Meet on “De-risking Shrimp Aquaculture Value Chain for Improved Global Competitiveness.”
Key Takeaways from 14AFAF
- Nutrition Security and Livelihood Generation: The fisheries and aquaculture sector emerged as a critical driver of nutrition security and livelihood generation. Discussions emphasized balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability. The sector has grown at an annual rate of 9%-10% in India, holding immense potential for equitable growth.
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): The forum highlighted the impact of India’s PMMSY, a scheme aimed at achieving a Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector. This initiative was underscored as a significant step to boost productivity, integrate climate-smart technologies, and enhance resilience against environmental shocks.
- Modernization Strategies: Key strategies for modernizing the fisheries and aquaculture sector were discussed, including digitization and formalization, disease management, and infrastructure and innovation. India is making efforts to digitize fish farmers’ identities and formalize the sector to enhance access to institutional financing, aquaculture insurance, and traceability systems. A National Surveillance Program for Aquatic Animal Diseases has been implemented to identify new and exotic diseases in aquatic animals, addressing disease-related losses.
- Regional Cooperation: The forum emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for transboundary resource management and equitable benefit-sharing among small-scale fishers. Initiatives like Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), satellite-connected transponders for safety, and aquaculture insurance aim to uplift marginalized communities.
- Environmental Sustainability: Efforts to conserve marine biodiversity through artificial reefs and sustainable feed efficiency practices were highlighted. The sector aims to move toward carbon neutrality, supported by genetic advancements such as genome editing to develop resilient species.
Conclusion
The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum reinforced the need for a holistic approach—blending technology, ecology, and equity—to transform the fisheries and aquaculture sector into a globally competitive, socially just, and environmentally resilient industry. Regional cooperation for transboundary resource management and equitable benefit-sharing among small-scale fishers were deemed crucial for safeguarding livelihoods and ecosystems.
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency dedicated to leading international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. FAO supports countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources.
For more information, visit the FAO website at www.fao.org.