New Delhi: India has been elected as the First Vice Chair of the Food and Agriculture Organisation Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management. This marks a significant moment for India, as it becomes the first Vice Chair in 57 years to serve on the FAO Fisheries Bureau on Capture Fisheries.
With over 28 million inland and marine fishers, India’s representation in this crucial subcommittee is vital, emphasizing its role as a leading fishing nation. This position allows India to contribute a crucial balance and perspective to global discussions on fisheries governance and management, particularly addressing the needs of artisanal and small-scale fisheries.
The Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management serves as a platform for discussions on fisheries management issues at national, regional, and global levels. India’s involvement in the FAO Fisheries Bureau on Capture Fisheries is a testament to its commitment to actively participate in shaping global policies related to fisheries.
Established during the Thirty-Fifth session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in Rome in September 2022, the Sub-Committee collaborates closely with other bodies such as the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture and the Sub-Committee on Fish Trade. Its primary functions include providing essential technical and policy guidance on fisheries governance and management, advancing the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and addressing urgent global issues and trends in fisheries management and sustainable development.
India’s elevated role in the Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management reflects its dedication to fostering international collaborations and actively contributing to the advancement of responsible and sustainable fisheries practices
