Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, led an Indian delegation to the 5th World Small-Scale Fisheries Congress held in Hua Hin, Thailand, from April 27 to 30, 2026. The event, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and TBTI Global, brought together over 300 delegates from nearly 50 countries and featured 45 technical sessions.
The congress centred on the theme “Small-scale fisheries for advancing just harmony, young futures, and regenerative wisdom,” with discussions focusing on equity in coastal regions, youth engagement in ocean stewardship, and the promotion of sustainable, climate-resilient fishing practices grounded in traditional knowledge.
During the event, Dr Likhi highlighted the crucial role of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture in supporting socio-economic development, food and nutritional security, and environmental sustainability. He noted that India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, with a record output of 19.7 million tonnes, and pointed to the steady growth in seafood exports driven by modernisation, innovation, and sustained investments. He also reiterated India’s commitment to sustainable and traceable fisheries, digital transformation, and community-based approaches, along with strengthened regional cooperation through the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation, where India currently holds the Chair.
Dr Likhi also participated in a panel discussion moderated by the FAO on the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), where he emphasised that small-scale fisheries are central to food security, livelihoods, cultural identity, and coastal economies, particularly in the Bay of Bengal region. He highlighted the need for governance frameworks that recognise local diversity and ensure the inclusion of marginalised communities across the value chain, while advocating for ecosystem-based and participatory policy approaches.
The discussions underlined that effective implementation of NPOA-SSF requires stronger institutional and technical capacities among fishers and their organisations, improved access to finance and infrastructure, and greater policy convergence across sectors. Participants also stressed the importance of integrating these plans into existing governance systems to enable meaningful and inclusive participation.
Globally, small-scale fisheries account for nearly 90 per cent of the fisheries workforce and contribute about 40 per cent of total fish production, playing a vital role in food security, poverty alleviation, and gender inclusion. In Asia, the sector supports millions of livelihoods through diverse, family-based fishing systems, although it continues to face challenges such as resource degradation, climate risks, and conflicts with industrial fishing.
In India, small-scale fisheries dominate marine fishing activities, with nearly four million fishers operating primarily within territorial waters. The sector, governed by State Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts, faces pressures from near-shore fishing, climate change, and market volatility. Recent policy initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and the EEZ Rules 2025, have focused on strengthening institutions and improving livelihoods through cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations.