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Aquaculture Fisheries News
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56

Unlocking the Blue Gold: Investors’ Meet 2024 to Boost Fisheries and Aquaculture in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

On November 14, 2024, the Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, is set to host the highly anticipated “Investors’ Meet 2024: Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.” This landmark event will be held at Taj Exotica in Swaraj Dweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and will be graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, George Kurian, Minister of State, and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, among others. A Platform for Growth and Collaboration The Investors’ Meet 2024 is designed to serve as a robust platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and business exploration. The event will bring together around 60 investors from across India, specializing in technologies related to tuna and seaweed, along with officials from the Department of Fisheries, State/UT Fisheries Departments, and scientists. The aim is to foster public-private partnerships that drive sustainable growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Untapped Opportunities in A&N Islands The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a unique and fertile ground for fisheries development. With an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spanning approximately 6.0 lakh square kilometers, the region is rich in under-exploited sea resources, particularly tuna and other high-valued species, estimated at 60,000 metric tons. The islands’ proximity to Southeast Asian countries facilitates efficient sea and air trade, while the pristine waters support sustainable fishing practices. Effective administrative measures further enhance the region’s potential for economic growth through marine resources. Comprehensive Roadmap and Key Sessions The event will include lead presentations, B2B and B2G interactions, and strategy planning sessions aimed at driving investments in infrastructure, technology transfer, skill development, and innovation. Interactive sessions will focus on best practices, address challenges faced by the private sector, and foster networking opportunities with Southeast Asian counterparts to explore new business opportunities and trade synergies. Key sessions will be led by prominent organizations such as the Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA), which will discuss export promotion opportunities, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which will outline a roadmap for advancing mariculture in the islands. The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BoBP-IGO) will also contribute insights on the development of tuna fisheries and related value chains. Launch of Tuna Cluster Initiative The event will also mark the launch of a video highlighting the development of a Tuna Cluster in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a significant step towards enhancing the region’s economic potential through cluster-based approaches and end-to-end value chains. India’s Fisheries Sector: A Key Growth Driver The fisheries sector is recognized as the “Sunrise Sector” of India’s economy, playing a crucial role in enhancing national income, exports, and food security, particularly benefiting rural areas. Over the past decade, the Government of India has invested heavily in this sector through flagship initiatives like PMMSY, FIDF, and the Blue Revolution, with an unprecedented investment of Rs 38,572 crore since 2015. India’s seafood exports have more than doubled since FY 2013-14, reaching 17.81 lakh tons worth Rs 60,523.89 crore during 2023-24, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Indian seafood is exported to 129 countries, with the USA being the largest overseas market. The sector has witnessed an average annual growth rate of 14% over the last 10 years. Future Goals and Employment Opportunities The Department of Fisheries aims to enhance fisheries exports to Rs 1 lakh crores by 2024-25. This initiative not only targets increased exports but also seeks to create significant employment opportunities in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Key resources like tuna and seaweed are prioritized for development, with a focus on sustainable growth and maximizing the region’s economic potential. The Investors’ Meet 2024 is poised to be a pivotal event in unlocking the vast potential of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, offering a golden opportunity for investors to tap into this burgeoning sector.

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Conservation Focus Story Sustainability
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47

Goa’s Marine Crisis: Dolphin Deaths Spark Conservation Emergency

The idyllic beaches of Goa, once a haven for marine life, are now witnessing a disturbing trend of dolphin deaths and injuries, prompting urgent calls for investigation and action from wildlife conservationists. The alarming pattern, observed along Goa’s coastline, has raised concerns about the ecological health of the region. The crisis has deepened over recent months, with multiple incidents reported across the state, continuing a troubling trend from previous years. Wildlife conservationists emphasize the stark disparity in attention given to marine casualties compared to terrestrial counterparts. “Had it been tigers, the attention from authorities would have been vastly different,” remarks a conservationist. While the exact causes behind these marine deaths remain under investigation, experts suspect a complex interplay of factors. Water pollution, entanglement in fishing nets and natural causes are thought to contribute to the rising death toll. Climate impacts, including rising ocean temperatures and changing sea patterns, are also considered a potential factor. The Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE) has initiated inquiries into these recurring deaths as part of their national survey. The monthly death toll of Finless porpoises, a Schedule I protected species under Indian wildlife laws, is particularly concerning. This trend is not limited to dolphins, as large numbers of sea birds have been found injured along Goa’s coastline and Olive Ridley turtles regularly fall victim to trawler bycatch. The devastating impact of human activity on marine life is evident. Plastic waste, including items like sanitary pads and branded packaging, has been found inside sea turtles. Nearly 1kg of fishing net was discovered in the stomach of an Indian Ocean Humpback dolphin at Arossim Beach, South Goa. Overfishing contributes to the decline of marine species, with a significant portion of the catch directed toward fish meal production for poultry, farmed fish and fertilizer. Conservation efforts have been underway since 2017, with the establishment of a marine stranding network through collaboration between the Goa Forest Department and various organizations. Despite progress, experts argue that current efforts fall short due to the lack of comprehensive data, which hampers conservation strategies. Wildlife activists are concerned about the forest department’s reluctance to share post-mortem data and other crucial information. A multi-faceted approach is necessary to address the crisis. Capacity building would enable participatory conservation management with stakeholders. Long-term monitoring is required to track local populations of endangered Schedule I marine wildlife. Promoting sustainable fishing practices and reducing plastic waste through effective disposal systems are crucial. Addressing climate change impacts on marine ecosystems is also essential. The urgency to save Goa’s dwindling dolphin populations cannot be overstated. Wildlife activists emphasize the need for immediate investigation, effective conservation measures, public awareness and government support. Collective action is necessary to mitigate human impact and preserve the state’s rich marine biodiversity.

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Aquaculture Fisheries News Sustainability Technology
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61

Drone Technology Takes Flight: A New Era for India’s Fisheries Sector

Union Minister of State Shri George Kurian inaugurates workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and AquacultureDrone technology in the fisheries sector is going to be a game changer- Union Minister Shri George Kurian Centre to develop 100 climate resilient coastal villages to protect fisher livelihood said the Minister The Government of India is always at the fore front in transforming the fisheries sector in a holistic way and bringing about an economic upturn and prosperity through the Blue Revolution in the country. Over the last decade, the Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, Government of India has announced cumulative investments to the tune of Rs 38,572 crore through various schemes. Since its inception, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has focused on promoting sustainable, economically viable, and inclusive growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Key initiatives include modern aquaculture practices, satellite-based monitoring, and recent exploration of drone technology for fish transport, surveillance, and environmental monitoring.  In this context, drones offer a range of applications to numerous challenges in the sector. The key critical areas of intervention are water sampling, identification of diseases and fish feed management. The scope also extends to managing aquaculture farms, monitoring fish marketing, assessing damage to fisheries infrastructure and rescue operations during natural disasters. This includes other key activities such as precision fishing and stock assessment. Underwater drones, in addition, can monitor fish behaviour in their natural habitats as well as signs of distress such as erratic swimming patterns. The Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, organized a Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture on 8th November 2024 at ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala. The event took place in the gracious presence of Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Minority Affairs along with Dignitaries, Scientists, State fisheries officials, Fishermen and fisherwomen. Dr Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, welcomed the gathering and set the context for the one-day workshop. This was followed by opening remarks from  Dr B K Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB, who highlighted various schemes and initiatives, encouraging stakeholders in the fisheries sector to take advantage of these benefits. During the Inaugural address Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Minority Affairs highlighted the initiatives taken by the department of Fisheries and the remarkable growth of India’s fisheries sector, propelled by strategic investments and progressive policies over the past decade. The Hon’ble Union Minister of State announced the development of 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with ₹2 crore allocated per village to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable livelihoods. This initiative aims to improve resilience against climate change by providing facilities like fish drying yards, processing centers, and emergency rescue facilities, while also supporting climate-resilient practices such as seaweed cultivation and green fuel initiatives. The Minister highlighted the role of drone technology in monitoring aquaculture farms and fisheries infrastructure, especially during disasters, and revealed plans to equip one lakh fishing vessels with transponders for real-time tracking, weather alerts, and communication, with an investment of ₹364 crores. Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), addressed the gathering, highlighting the benefits of the flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna and reaffirming the Department of Fisheries’ commitment to scaling up the fisheries sector. It was emphasized that the Department of Fisheries has consistently championed the infusion of technology to drive sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Through various schemes, it has introduced advancements to boost fish production, improve resource management, and increase operational efficiency. In line with these initiatives the department in collaboration with NFDB, has organized drone demonstrations at key locations, including the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Barrackpore, Kolkata, and Gyan Bhawan in Patna, Bihar. Dr. V V Suresh, Head Mariculture division and startup EyeROV Technologies pvt. Ltd. presented on the application of drone technology and its challenges in the fisheries sector.  Following this the distribution of “Cadalmin BSF PRO” a specially formulated fish feed designed to support sustainable aquaculture practices to farmers was also held. In addition, a brochure, titled “EG Sailas Centre of Excellence and Innovation,” was launched, highlighting key advancements and contributions to the field of marine fish microbiome and nutrigenomics. Furthermore, the session also marked the official launch of the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) National Symposium, an event aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among marine science professionals across the nation. The department also organized a one-day interactive workshop on 8th November 2024 at the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) in Kochi, with technical support from D.G. Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, Government of India, to discuss issues related to the registration, survey, and certification of fishing vessels. Experts from the Indian Registry of Shipping (IRS) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) also attended the workshop. The Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology provided a unique platform to showcase innovative technological advancements, emphasizing the transformative role of drone technology in the fisheries sector to maximize its potential. Many fishermen, fisherwomen, scientists, entrepreneurs, students, and other delegates participated in the event.

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Aquaculture Business Fisheries Focus Story International News
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46

Potential Shifts in Seafood Exports: Indian Industry Eyes Opportunities Amidst US Market Changes Post-Trump Victory

In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory, Indian marine exporters are optimistic about a potential resurgence in seafood exports to the United States. They believe that a revitalized US economy could lead to increased consumer demand, particularly for shrimp products. Currently, the US seafood market is experiencing sluggishness, characterized by surplus stocks in supermarkets due to an economic slowdown. Shaji Baby John, Managing Director and CEO of Kings Infra Ventures, emphasized the significance of the US as a primary market for seafood, noting that India’s shrimp exports reached an impressive $2.9 billion last year, accounting for 40% of the nation’s total seafood shipments. He pointed out that while South American countries, particularly Ecuador, have been flooding the US market with seafood, a decline in shrimp production from Ecuador could create further opportunities for Indian exporters to penetrate the US market. Conversely, Pawan Kumar G., the National President of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, expressed caution regarding the potential implications of Trump’s presidency. He highlighted Trump’s inclination towards imposing tariffs on seafood imports, which could pose challenges for the industry. “It is premature to predict the exact impact on our sector,” Kumar stated, acknowledging both the opportunities and uncertainties that lie ahead. He also noted that during his campaign, Trump hinted at the possibility of increased tariffs on imports from various countries. Despite these concerns, Kumar remains hopeful, suggesting that Trump’s relationship with India may lead to more rational trade policies. The introduction of Vannaemi shrimp in India in 2010 marked a significant turning point, with the US emerging as the major market for Indian shrimp until 2021. Exports surged from  KaTeX can only parse string typed expression1.2billionin2013−14to2.6 billion in 2021-22. However, in recent years, Ecuadorian shrimp has gained traction in the US market due to its higher production rates, allowing for competitive pricing and reduced shipping costs thanks to geographical proximity. Additionally, logistical challenges stemming from the Red Sea crisis have further complicated seafood shipments from India to the US. As the Indian seafood industry navigates these evolving dynamics, stakeholders remain vigilant, weighing the potential benefits against the uncertainties of the new political landscape.

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