World Fisheries DayObserved at ICAR-CIFT Visakhapatnam Research Centre

The World Fisheries Day was celebrated at Mangamaripeta, a fishing hamlet 20Km away from Visakhapatnam on 21 November 2014 by Indian Council of Agricultural ResearchCentral Institute of Fisheries TechnologyVisakhapatnam Research Centre and host of other governmental agencies namely MPEDA (Marine Product Export Development Authority), Visakhapatnam Regional Centre and NETFISH in collaboration with ACTION AID NGO.More than 300 women fishers participated in the programme.

The meeting was presided over by Dr. M.M. Prasad, Principal Scientist and Scientist in Charge, ICAR-CIFT Visakhapatnam Research Centre. The Scientists from the Centre included Dr. G. Rajeswari, Principal Scientist, Dr. U. Sridhar and Dr. B. Madhusudana Rao Senior Scientists and Smt Arathy Ashok, Scientist. In the presidential address Dr. Prasad talked about importance of World Fisheries Day, touching important aspects namely recent severe tropical cyclone HudHud and its impact on fishers living in coastal areas of Visakhapatnam, hazards associated with fishing in inclement weather conditions, post harvest handling of fish with reference to hygienic handling and value added fish product development for sustainable development of fisheries. Dr. Rajeswari talked on employing proper gear while harvesting fish, conservation of fish resources for the continuous development of fisheries and role of women in fisheries development. Dr. Sridhar focused in conserving the aquatic resources to the generation next and role of advanced technologies in harvesting the fish from marine waters. Dr Madhusudana Rao discussed on hygienic handling of fish and how fish tend to spoil in the absence of proper hygiene and human health hazards associated with pathogenic bacteria harboured by the contaminated fish and its ingestion. Smt. Arathy interacted with women fishers. Dr Ali from MPEDA emphasized the role of his organization in development of fisheries in the region. Shri Hanumantha Rao, State Coordinator of NETFISH talked on development of fisheries in Visakhapatnam and adjoining areas.The meeting came to an end with vote of thanks from Shri Arjuli Das from the NGO on active representative of local fishers and their needs.

The main session is followed by interactive session in which women fisher representatives from different fishing hamlets expressed their needs and aspirations. Two important aspects that garnered attention were role of fish as food in development and growth of children and also need for quality and quantity of ice catering the needs of fishers especially glut catches. Proper clarifications and guidance were given for the same by scientists of ICAR-CIFT Visakhapatnam Research Centre.

At the end of the meeting all the participants including resource persons from host institutes and other governmental agencies have participated in “Swatcha Bharat” and cleaned up Mangamari Peta Beach as part of World Fisheries Day.

World Fisheries Day celebrations at Mangamaripeta

A view of the participants