India, Seychelles step up cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy

New Delhi: India and Seychelles have agreed to strengthen cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the wider blue economy, with a focus on sustainable marine resources, technology, research and capacity building. The discussions took place during a high-level bilateral meeting hosted by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, on August 25. The Seychelles delegation was led by Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy Wallace Cosgrow, while the Indian side was led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries. The two sides reviewed existing cooperation and discussed a roadmap for deeper collaboration in fisheries and sustainable use of marine resources. India and Seychelles recognised fisheries and the blue economy as important areas for economic growth, rural employment, food security and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region. During the meeting, India highlighted its progress in the fisheries sector, including fish production of 19.7 million tonnes and seafood exports worth USD 8.46 billion. The Indian delegation also shared its experience in sustainable fisheries management, responsible harvesting and technology-based fisheries infrastructure. The discussions covered several areas where the two countries could work together, including marine aquaculture, modern hatcheries, tuna fisheries, fish stock assessment and post-harvest technology. Marine...