World Fisheries Day is celebrated on 21st November every year to demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the world. Background The celebrations started in 1997 when “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” met at New Delhi leading to formation of “World Fisheries Forum” with representatives from 18 countries and signed a declaration advocating for a global mandate of sustainable fishing practices and policies. Objective The event aims to draw attention to overfishing, habitat destruction and other serious threats to the sustainability of our marine and freshwater resources. The celebrations serve to focus on changing the way the world manages global fisheries to ensure sustainable stocks and healthy ecosystems. World Fisheries Day 2025 This year’s theme “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports” highlights the nation’s resolve to elevate its marine and freshwater aquatic products into high-value, globally competitive products. With 8% share in global fish production, India is the second largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture producer, largest shrimp producer and 4th largest seafood exporter in the world. The sector is key in providing sustainable incomes and livelihoods to 3 crore fishers and fish farmers in the country. From 2013-14 to 2024-25, the country’s total fish production has grown by an impressive 104% comprising both marine and inland sectors. Output has increased from 96 lakh tonnes to 195 lakh tonnes. Much of this growth has come from inland fisheries, which have expanded by 142% in the same period. Production in this segment has risen from 61 lakh tonnes to 147.37 lakh tonnes. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has been created to fill important gaps in India’s fisheries sector. It works to improve fish production and productivity, raise quality standards, bring in modern technology, strengthen post-harvest infrastructure and ensure better management. The scheme also focuses on building a stronger value chain, improving traceability, creating a sound fisheries management system and ensuring the welfare of fishers. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) is a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). It was approved by the Union Cabinet in February 2024 and is being implemented across all States and Union Territories for a four-year period from 2023-24 to 2026-27 with an estimated financial outlay of ₹6,000 crore. PM-MKSSY is designed to address the long-standing structural challenges in the fisheries sector. It brings in a mix of financial and technological interventions, backed by institutional reforms. The scheme supports the long-term transformation of the fisheries ecosystem by promoting formalisation, insurance coverage, access to finance, and quality assurance across the value chain. The Government of India has raised the lending limit under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme for fisheries and allied activities from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, thereby improving access to credit for fishers, farmers, processors and other stakeholders under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme. The celebrations serve to focus on changing the way the world manages global fisheries to ensure sustainable stocks and a healthy ecosystem. Awards for best performance in Fisheries As part of the World Fisheries Day 2025, National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad confers awards in three categories as follows. Best performing State/UT - Inland, Marine, Hmalayan & North-eastern region, Union Territory Best district - Inland, Marine, Hmalayan & North-eastern region, Union Territory Best Enterprise/Entrepreneurs - Best Fish Farmer shortlisted throughout the Country (Inland & Marine Category), Best Fisheries Cooperatives / FFPOs, Best Fisheries Enterprises/Entrepreneur.