Union Minister announces Rs. 255 crore fisheries projects at Coastal States Meet 2025

In India, the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is organizing the "Coastal States Meet 2025" on April 28, 2025, at the Hotel Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. This significant event will be chaired by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who plays a dual role as the head of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The meet aims to bolster the fisheries sector by unveiling numerous developmental initiatives. One of the highlights will be the introduction of projects with a financial outlay of Rs. 255.30 crore, targeting enhancements in fisheries infrastructure across seven coastal states and union territories. This move marks a crucial step towards sustainable fishing practices and ecological balance in the region. Amidst the growing challenges faced by aquafarmers, a significant initiative to be launched during the meet is Aqua Insurance, which acts as a financial safeguard for those involved in aquaculture. Alongside this, the event will see the introduction of the Marine Fisheries Census Operations, providing a structured approach to collect and analyze data critical for policymaking and resource management within fisheries. The event also intends to unveil the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) project, which aims to protect marine turtles during fishing operations and minimize bycatch, fostering a responsible fishing environment. Participants will include distinguished dignitaries from various coastal states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Puducherry, as well as other officials from the Department of Fisheries and related organizations. The event is expected to be a platform for discussing marine governance, safety at sea, and mechanisms for value chain enhancements and export promotion in the fisheries sector. Additionally, an exhibition will showcase state-of-the-art innovations and technologies that underline the sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture. Recognizing the contributions of outstanding cooperatives, fisheries FPOs, and climate-resilient coastal villages is also integral to the meet's agenda. The importance of the fisheries sector in India cannot be overstated, as it plays a significant role in rural livelihoods and contributes substantially to the country's economic growth. India boasts an impressive coastline of over 7,500 km, along with an Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.02 million sq. km, making it a crucial player in marine fisheries. Coastal states and union territories account for about 72% of India's total fish production and 76% of seafood exports, highlighting the sector's significance in national and global markets. Addressing the various challenges that arise with sustainability, this meet aims to reinforce best practices and cooperative efforts in marine conservation and sustainable fishing, ultimately contributing to the overall health of the marine ecosystem.