Kerala receives the Best Marine State award at World Fisheries Day 2024

Kerala was honoured with the Best Marine State award for its contribution to the country's fisheries and aquaculture sector growth. On the occasion of World Fisheries Day 2024, the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying honoured many states, districts, and individuals for their contribution in a ceremony organised in New Delhi on 21 November 2024.

The ceremony was presided over by Rajeev Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. 

World Fisheries Day 

Since 1997, World Fisheries Day has been observed on 21 November around the world.

In 1997, a “World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers” was organized in New Delhi to discuss an issue related to sustainable fishing in the world. Representatives of 18 countries decided to form the World Fisheries Forum and observe 21 November as World Fisheries Day.

World Fisheries Day is observed to raise awareness about the variety of threats faced by the world fishing industry, such as overexploitation, habitat destruction, and destructive fishing practices. 

It champions the rights of the small fishermen.

Theme of the World Fisheries Day 2024

The Department of Fisheries has chosen India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries as the 2024 World Fisheries Day theme.

Role and Status of India in the World Fishing Industry 

India is one of the top fisheries and aquaculture-producing countries in the world.

• 3rd largest fish producer in the world with a share of 8 per cent in global fish output in 2023-24.
• 2nd largest aquaculture producer after China.
• Largest producer of shrimp.
• Supports around 30 million people's livelihood.
• Budgetary allocation for the Department of Fisheries for the year 2024-25 - Rs. 2,616.44 crore.

2024 Award winners list  

The Department of Fisheries every year gives awards on the occasion of the World Fisheries Day. Following is the list of the winners.

Best State/Union Territory Category

• Best Marine State- Kerala
• Best Inland State- Telangana
• Best Himalayan and Northeastern State- Uttarakhand
• Best Union Territory - Jammu and Kashmir 

Best District Award 

• Best Marine District- Kollam, Kerala
• Best Inland District- Kanker, Chhattisgarh
• Best Himalayan and Northeastern District-Darrang, Assam
• est Union Territory - Kulgam , Jammu and Kashmir.