World Fisheries Day 2025 | 21 Nov 2025

Why in News?

India marked World Fisheries Day 2025 on 21st November, celebrating sustainability, blue-economy growth, and improved livelihoods for fishers. 

Key Points

• About: World Fisheries Day, observed annually on 21st November, traces its origin to the formation of the World Fisheries Forum in 1997, when delegates from 18 countries met in New Delhi to promote sustainable fishing and safeguard fisher communities, making India the birthplace of this global observance.
• Theme:  The theme for 2025 is “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports.”
  • Total fish production more than doubled from 96 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25).
  • Marine product exports rose by 11.08%, from US$ 0.81 billion (October 2024) to US$ 0.90 billion (October 2025).
• Ranking: India is the second-largest fish-producing country and among the world’s top shrimp producers.
• Major Initiatives:
  • The government launched the National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries & Aquaculture to ensure safe, transparent, and globally compliant seafood supply chains.
  • The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules promote environmentally responsible deep-sea fishing, giving priority access to Fishermen Cooperatives and FFPOs, enhancing income opportunities for small-scale fishers.
  • ReALCRaft is a digital platform enabling online registration, licensing, e-payments, and vessel data updates, with integrated inspections for paperless fisheries governance.
  • NABHMITRA, a two-way satellite communication system for small vessels (<20 m), provides real-time tracking, SOS alerts, and weather updates, improving fisher safety and coordination with coastal authorities.