‘International Conclave on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance and Strengthening of Fisheries Management Measures in the Indo-Pacific Region’ was inau
gurated by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in Mahabalipuram. The event, which took place on Tuesday, featured key officials such as Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, and Ms. Neetu Prasad, Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries.
Dr. Likhi detailed initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), highlighting measures aimed at adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change in the fisheries sector. These initiatives encompassed the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), focusing on assessing fish diseases linked to climate change, promoting renewable energy use in fishing operations, and installing biodigester toilets on fishing vessels to curb marine pollution.
Concurrently, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, organized a ‘Brainstorming Session on India’s Preparedness for Adapting to Climate Change in Marine Fisheries.’ Attended by national and international scientific personnel, the session delved into the status of Indian fisheries in relation to climate change and discussed adaptation strategies.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative in India, Dr. Takayuki Hagiwara, commended the event, urging member countries to align their efforts with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the fisheries sector’s livelihood, nutrition, and welfare. Emphasizing the significance of gender inclusiveness for nutritional security and Blue transformation, the FAO representative underscored the enduring nature of climate change challenges.
Dignitaries at the event included Dr. Piero Mannini, Senior Fisheries Officer, FAO; Dr. Darius Campbell, Chair of the Regional Fisheries Bodies Secretariat Network; Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP-IGO; Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR; Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board, and other senior officers from the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, State Governments, Universities, and Research Institutes. The FAO representative emphasized the need for sustained focus on SDGs in addressing climate change challenges in the fisheries sector.
