Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat & Sabreena Bhat
Fisheries play a vital role in the global economy, food security, and livelihoods of people dependent on aquatic resources. The key statistics are: (i) Food Security: Fish provides essential protein for over 3 billion people worldwide. (ii) Livelihoods: Over 500 million people depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods. (iii) Economic Impact: The global fish trade is worth over $150 billion annually. November 21st marks World Fisheries Day, a global event that highlights the importance of fisheries and aquaculture in the lives of millions of people worldwide. As we approach 2025, it’s essential to understand the current status of fisheries globally, the theme for World Fisheries Day 2025, and its significance. World Fisheries Day is crucial for several reasons, such as (a) Awareness: It raises awareness about the importance of fisheries and aquaculture in global food systems. (b) Sustainability: It promotes sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term health of fish stocks and ecosystems. (c) Support for Fishers: It highlights the challenges faced by fishers and the need for policies that support their livelihoods. As we celebrate World Fisheries Day 2025, let’s recognize the critical role fisheries play in our lives and work towards a more sustainable future for this vital industry. The Day originated in 1997 when the “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” convened in New Delhi. During this meeting, representatives from 18 countries came together to establish the “World Fisheries Forum” and signed a declaration advocating for adopting sustainable fishing practices and policies worldwide. The day raises awareness about the various threats facing the world’s fisheries, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and illegal fishing practices, while also advocating for the rights of small-scale fishers, who are often among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups worldwide. In India, World Fisheries Day takes on special significance, given the country’s vital role in global fisheries and aquaculture. As the 3rd largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world after China and the largest producer of shrimp, India contributes significantly to both domestic food security and the global seafood market. The Indian fisheries sector not only supports the livelihoods of around 30 million people, especially in coastal and rural communities, but it also holds immense potential for growth, job creation, and rural development. In recent years, Indian fisheries have experienced a significant shift, moving from a marine-dominated sector to a greater focus on inland fisheries. The contribution of inland fisheries to total fish production has risen dramatically in India Within this shift, there has been a notable transition from capture fisheries to culture-based (or aquaculture) practices, which has played a key role in driving the growth of a sustainable blue economy.
On World Fisheries Day, India joins the global call for action to promote sustainable fisheries practices, protect marine environments, and empower fishing communities, reinforcing its leadership in the sector and its dedication to safeguarding the future of global seafood production. Every year on 21 November, the global community observes World Fisheries Day to acknowledge the indispensable contributions of fisheries and aquaculture to food security, livelihood generation and ecological balance. As the world steps into a more climate-challenged era, the relevance of this day becomes even more profound. In 2025, the theme “Sustaining Blue Economies, Securing Global Food Futures” highlights the growing need to conserve aquatic resources while empowering the millions who depend on them. The fisheries sector in Jammu and Kashmir has shown significant growth, with fish production reaching an all-time high of 28,000 metric tones in 2023-2024. Trout Production iincreased from 598 metric tonnes in 2019 to 2,100 metric tones in 2023. The Fisheries sector created employment opportunities for youth, with 1,144 Trout Rearing Units established, including 611 units set up in the last four years.
“World Fisheries Day 2025 reminds us that aquatic ecosystems are crucial lifelines for humanity, not just food sources. Immediate and shared action is necessary to ensure their sustainability and secure global food futures. Aquatic ecosystems are humanity’s lifeline (food source and more). Act now to ensure their sustainability and secure future global food supply.”
The Growth Rate is expected to increase from 3.28% to 40% over the next five years. This growth is attributed to innovative technologies, government initiatives, and strategic investments. The sector contributes substantially to the local economy and employment opportunities. In J&K we face many challenges in fisheries sector, such as (i) Environmental Concerns: Water pollution, excessive deforestation, and climate change affect fish production (ii) Infrastructure: Need for modernized hatcheries and advanced aquaculture technologies (iii) Regulatory Framework: Outdated recruitment policies hinder the growth of fisheries science graduates (iv) Sustainability: Ensuring ecological balance and sustainable fish farming practices. The Government Initiatives in J&K are: (a) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Boosts fish production and improves post-harvest practices (b) Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Provides financial support to fish farmers (c) Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP): Promotes sustainable fish farming practices. The total fishermen population in the J&K as per livestock census 2003 was around 31,000. It is presently estimated at 93000. The 27781 Km. length of rivers/streams facilitate farming of more than 40 million tonnes of fish.The fisheries sector in Jammu and Kashmir has immense potential for growth, with the government and private sector working together to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The Global Importance of Fisheries:Fisheries support the nutrition and livelihoods of over 600 million people worldwide, particularly in developing countries where fish remains a primary source of animal protein. With overfishing, habitat loss and ocean warming threatening marine ecosystems, sustainable fisheries have emerged as a pillar of global food stability. Aquaculture—the world’s fastest-growing food sector has also become crucial in bridging the gap between rising demand and dwindling capture fishery resources. The Theme for World Fisheries Day 2025 is Sustaining Blue Economies. The 2025 theme underscores the concept of the blue economy, which integrates economic development with ocean health. This framework promotes responsible fishing practices, eco-friendly aquaculture, habitat restoration, pollution control and community-centered fisheries management.
A thriving blue economy ensures:
(i) Healthy oceans and inland water bodies
(ii) Resilient fishing communities
(iii) Stronger national economies, especially in coastal and fish-producing nations
(iv) Balanced exploitation and conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
The Role Of Aquaculture In Food Security: Aquaculture now contributes more than 50% of the world’s seafood supply, reducing pressure on overexploited wild stocks. Innovations such as:
(a) Biofloc technology
(b) Recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS)
(c) Aquamimicry
(d) Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)
Scientists and farmers get help to produce more fish using fewer resources, all while maintaining environmental integrity. Despite advancements, fisheries sector face severe threats. The main cchallenges ahead are:
(i) Climate change-induced temperature shifts
(ii) Ocean acidification
(iii) Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing
(iv) Water pollution and microplastics
(v) Habitat degradation of coral reefs, mangroves and wetlands.
Addressing these challenges requires global cooperation, strong policies, scientific research and inclusive community involvement.World Fisheries Day 2025 calls upon governments, researchers, fish farmers, fisher folk and consumers to work together for sustainable fisheries and long-term ecological balance. From reducing post-harvest losses to adopting climate-resilient aquaculture practices, every step can contribute to a healthier blue planet. As we celebrate World Fisheries Day 2025, we are reminded that our oceans, rivers, lakes and wetlands are more than just sources of food—they are lifelines of humanity. Ensuring their sustainability today is the only way to secure global food futures for generations to come. The responsibility is shared and the time to act is now.
(Dr. Bilal A Bhat is Professor at the Department of Statistics, Faculty of Fisheries, S K University Of Agriculture Sciences & Technology- SKUAST-K and Sabreena Bhat a Research Scholar at the Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
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