FISH FOR ALL - Recommendation and Action Plan
Kolkata, West Bengal, 18-19 December 2003
Recommendations
On 2 November 2002, the Global Fish For All initiative was launched in Penang, Malaysia in presence of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Chair of the Global Steering Committee and 300 high ranking officials and experts in fisheries, economic development and the environment from around the world. The present National Launch of Fish For All is a follow-up to the global launch.
Fish and fisheries plays an important role in the nutrition, livelihood, ecology and health security of India. The fisheries sector supports 6.7 million fishers directly and an equal number in ancillary activities. The sector contributes substantially to national GDP and exports earnings.
Fisheries and aquaculture resources of India are vast and varied and provide a wide range of opportunities. From the cold waters in the higher altitudes of the Himalayan ranges to the warm waters in the coastal areas, these resources offer ample opportunities to optimize fish production through sustainable and responsible capture fisheries and farming practices.
To harness the potential that exists in the country for fisheries and aquaculture development and contribute to nutritional and economic security of the country, the two day "Fish For All" meeting was launched at national level on 18-19 December 2003 at Kolkata, West Bengal. The meeting was attended by over 200 participants that included Ministers and senior government functionaries from different states and union territories and government of India, scientists and experts, representatives from the industry and private sector, academic institutions, farmers and fishing community and the media.
To meet the increasing demand for fish for food and non-food uses, the 10th Five Year Plan envisages increasing fish production from 6.2 million tons in 2002-2003 to 8.2 million tons by the end of Plan period (2006-2007). This could be achieved through focusing efforts on sustaining gains already made in production; protecting the productivity of inland and marine fisheries, increasing production through expansion of area and new technical breakthroughs; adding value to the produce and ensuring quality; and creating increased livelihood venues through remunerative and assured marketing opportunities.
To achieve the above objectives, the meeting made the following recommendations and action plan.
Action Plan - Agenda 2007
I. Public Policy and Action
Through Aquarian Reforms ensure productivity, sustainability, profitability, gender and social equity in capture fisheries (marine and inland), aquaculture and non-food fisheries (eg. sea weeds);
Set up of a separate Ministry/Department of Fisheries in the Union Government and bring aquaculture and fisheries on par with agriculture especially in the provision of basic infrastructure needed for the sector;
Formulate a National Fisheries Policy for sustainable development taking in to account the needs of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors as well as opportunities for domestic and international trade;
Strengthen existing fisheries legislation both at center and the states; and formulate new legislation where necessary in order to help in realizing the full potential of the sector to improve nutrition and provide more jobs and income;
Policy on water allocation for freshwater fish culture on par with irrigated agriculture; allocation of specific areas for women enterprises;
Reduce post-harvest losses and increase value by launching intensive Quality and Scientific Literacy Movement through use of modern of ICT technology, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and globally accepted standards on hygiene and sanitation;
Legislation on introduction and control of exotic species.
II. Implementation of Programs for Sustainable Development
Regulate and limit access through implementation of monitoring, control and surveillance of fisheries;
Conserve and sustainably exploit marine resources through harmonized seasonal ban on fishing across maritime states; elimination of destructive fishing; declaration of closed areas and setting up of sanctuaries;
Deploy effort in less exploited areas (eg. harnessing offshore marine resources, sea weed culture, etc.)
Set up small-fisher aquaculture estates to bring in social equity. Estates to have backward linkages with R&D institutions and forward linkages with assured and remunerative markets;
Organise National Pilot Projects for demonstration of new technologies such as sea water farming for prosperity of coastal areas; setting up of bio-villages for providing sustainable livelihood opportunities; low external input sustainable integrated farming practices, culture of ornamental fishes, etc.;
Implement national level programs for reduction of post-harvest losses and popularization of low-cost value addition technologies;
Develop strong domestic marketing infrastructure.
III. Strengthening of Institutional Mechanisms and Capacity Building
Set up a professional-managed National Fisheries Development Board for overall fisheries and aquaculture development;
Strengthen existing institutional mechanisms and census information for implementation of developmental programs;
Strengthen existing fisheries education institutions and set up a national facility on the model of the Indian Institute of Technology for harnessing the opportunities provided by space, information and communication technologies as well as biotechnology and renewable energy technologies.
IV. Public Awareness
Implement programs for bringing awareness among public and policy makers on the need for conservation and development of aquatic resources, sustainable and responsible fisheries and aquaculture, including adoption of good management practices;
Create awareness on safety issues among small-scale fishermen;
Create awareness on the contributions of fish to nutritional security.
V. Partnerships
Develop bilateral, regional and international collaborations to strengthen the functioning of research and development institutions in the country.
