What is World Fisheries Day?
Every year on November 21, World Fisheries Day is observed as an opportunity to acknowledge the sea, which provides millions of people with a large and frequently undervalued food source. whose motto, “Cast the Net,” was inspired by the scripture from the Gospel of John, serves as its theme. This day’s primary goals are to raise awareness of the value of globally sustainable fisheries stocks, to defend small-scale fishing communities’ human rights, to significantly improve their working conditions, and to end illicit, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
History:
The World Fisheries Consortium Forum was founded in 1997 and given the acronym WFF (World Fisheries Forum), which is how the history of World Fisheries Day began. There were a number of international participants within the forum’s framework. In honor of the International Fisheries Organization’s founding ceremony, It was first observed on November 21, 2015. The purpose of World Fisheries Day is to highlight the efforts of underserved areas. It also examines how performance metrics from the previous year align with emerging trends.
What is the importance of World Fisheries Day?
Nearly 500 million people depend on small-scale fisheries for their daily needs, and they produce at least 40% of the world’s total catch. In addition to generating cash and jobs, this industry is vital to world nutrition and food security. However, social security programs are frequently inaccessible to small-scale fishermen and their families.
Numerous issues plague the fishing sector, such as the proliferation of blue-green algae in the seas and oceans, oil spills in marine environments, plastic waste invasion, hazardous compounds in saltwater, etc. It is now very difficult for the fishing sector to survive. Fish stocks are harmed by fishing during prohibited seasons and with illicit gear. Furthermore, elements like pollution and global warming are harming the world’s fisheries.
As a crucial component of the ecosystem, our fisheries need to be protected, as this day serves as a reminder. In addition, it is observed to honor women and fishermen. Numerous individuals work in the fishing industry, and any harm done to the fisheries directly impacts their means of subsistence. As a result, this day not only unites the fishing department but also helps establish milestones and goals for future trade. The goal of this day is to promote sustainable fishery management worldwide. Two thirds of the world’s fisheries have been overfished, according to the UN.
Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU
