In News:

India is set to host the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) from February 12–14, 2025, at the ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi.

Key Highlights

• This triennial international event—organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Fisheries (DoF), and AFS Indian Branch (AFSIB)—is themed "Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific".
• It aims to promote sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven development in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
• Previous Indian Host: India is hosting the AFAF for the second time, the first being the 8th AFAF in Kochi (2007).
• Legacy: AFAF, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has been a leading platform for fostering global cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture since its inception.

India's Role and Significance

• India ranks second globally in total fish production and aquaculture output, underlining its emerging leadership in the blue economy.
• The forum presents a strategic opportunity to:
  • Showcase India’s technological and policy advancements.
  • Strengthen international collaborations.
  • Promote sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive aquaculture systems.

Forum Structure and Thematic Sessions

The event will feature 20+ technical sessions and keynote presentations by international experts, focusing on priority areas such as:

• Sustainable Fisheries Management:Emphasis on responsible fishing, biodiversity preservation, and efficient resource utilization.
• Climate Change and Fisheries:Addressing climate impacts on aquatic ecosystems and developing adaptive strategies.
• Smart Aquaculture & Technology:Integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance fish farming efficiency and monitoring.
• Fish Genetics & Biotechnology:Innovations for disease resistance, improved yields, and genetic advancements.
• Post-Harvest and Value Addition:Improving fish quality, market access, and export competitiveness through better processing techniques.