ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) celebrates World Fisheries Day yearly at its headquarters and regional centres. In alignment with the 2024 theme, the institute observed the event in Basanti block, Sundarbans, in collaboration with Joygopalpur Gram Vikash Kendra (JGVK) and NAAS Regional Chapter, Kolkata. About 330 small-scale fishers and fish farmers, including 255 women were sensitized through this programme. Additionally, students also participated in learning about sustainable fisheries practices. Esteemed guests, including Dr. Purnendu Biswas, former Vice Chancellor of WBUFAS; Mr. Ganesh Sengupta, Chairman IGF, Denmark; and Mr. Niels Bo Karlsson from Denmark, graced the occasion. The celebration started with a Rally consisting of students, fishers, fish farmers, NGO workers, Scientists and others. The aim of the rally was to raise awareness about the importance of Indigenous fish species; about hilsa conservation and aquatic bio-diversity conservation. Dr Purnendu Biswas, Former Vice Chancellor of WBUA&FS, addressed the audience and also highlighted the importance of the conservation of aquatic life to meet SDG goals.

During the technical session Dr. B.K. Das, Director of CIFRI, emphasized that the sensitization program would significantly contribute to sustainable fisheries, enhance livelihood security, and strengthen the capacity of fishers to address environmental and economic challenges. Dr. Das also informed the gathering that ICAR-CIFRI has already joined hands with the JGVK to empower the women of the ST community in Sundarbans by providing them with fisheries inputs like fish seed, feed, etc. A team of scientists also visited the respective waterbodies to monitor the growth of the fish and to test the water quality parameters. Dr. R. K Manna, HOD, RWF Division, Dr Archana Sinha, HoD, AEB Division and Dr Armaan Ullah Muzaddadi, HoD, OWAPM Division, addressed the audience and sensitized the fishers and fish farmers about sustainable management of small-scale fisheries.