World Fisheries Day and its Significance
World Fisheries Day is observed every year on 21 November. It aims to draw attention of public to ensure healthy oceans ecosystems and to guarantee sustainable stocks of fisheries in the world. It also serves to shine a spotlight on the challenges fishers face while out at sea.
As per recent studies by UN, more than two-thirds of the world’s fisheries reserves have been overfished or are fully harvested and more than one third are in a state of decline because of factors such as the loss of essential fish habitats, pollution, and global warming.
The day is observed to bring and highlight the importance of ensuring fish habitat is maintained and harvested in sustainable manner.
Theme of World Fisheries Day 2021
The World Fisheries Day is celebrated on 21st November throughout the world. Previous year, 2020, the Day was celebrated on the theme “Social Responsibility in the fisheries value chain” to look at the sustainability factors of the fisheries, fishing industries and also the surrounding sphere which balances the ecosystem. The year 2018 focused on a theme titled ‘Partnership and innovation for resilient climate fisheries.
History of World Fisheries Day
World Fisheries Day, which is followed in India on November 21, highlights the fact that fisheries are an important sector in the country. It provides employment to millions of people, as well as contributing to the food security of India.
How to celebrate World Fisheries Day
The day is celebrated across the world by the fisherman communities celebrate the day with the hope of a brighter future for the fishing industry. Some were, there is rally, march to rise awareness about the issue. In Rameswaram, the community celebrated the day and raised awareness about their situation and financial strain they undergo.
You may also be part of such events or organise such online seminar or technical talks to raise awareness to the wider audience.
Some facts about fisheries Industries
- Small-scale fisheries (marine and inland) employ about 90 percent of those involved in fisheries.
- 65 percent of the reported catch from inland fisheries is from low-income food-deficit countries.
- Estimates vary, but from around 30 million to over 60 million people in the developing world are involved in inland fisheries; it is thought that about 50 percent are women.
- More than 25% of the world’s dietary protein is provided by fish.
- The human population consumes over 100 million tons of fish annually
- Over 200 million of Africa’s 1 billion people regularly consume fish and nearly half of this comes from inland fisheries.
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