14AFAF 2025: Advancing Sustainable Fisheries in Asia-Pacific

The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), themed “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific,” is set to take place from February 12 to 14, 2025, at the ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. This event, jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), aims to address sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in the Asia-Pacific region.

With the participation of over 1,000 delegates from 24 countries, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders, the forum will serve as a global platform to discuss critical issues like resource management, climate change impact, aquaculture sustainability, and policy advancements. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will inaugurate the event on February 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Why is the 14AFAF Significant for India’s Fisheries Sector?

India is hosting the Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum for the second time, after first hosting the 8th AFAF in Kochi in 2007. The return of this forum after 18 years highlights India’s growing influence in the global fisheries sector. India is currently the world’s second-largest producer of fish and aquaculture products, making it a key player in the blue economy.

The event will provide Indian fisheries experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to engage with international counterparts and explore new strategies to improve fish production, sustainability, and economic viability. Discussions will also focus on advancing technology-driven fish farming, tackling climate-related challenges, and ensuring long-term food security.

What Are the Key Discussions at 14AFAF?

The forum will feature 20+ technical sessions led by international experts covering critical topics such as:

Sustainable Fisheries Management – Ensuring responsible harvesting, biodiversity conservation, and resource efficiency.

Climate Change and Fisheries – Understanding the impact of climate shifts on fish habitats and developing resilient strategies.

Smart Aquaculture & Technology Adoption – Using innovations like AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance fish farming productivity.

Fish Genetics & Biotechnology – Exploring genetic improvements for disease resistance and better yields.

Post-Harvest Processing & Value Addition – Enhancing fish quality, safety, and global market access.

What Special Events Are Planned During the Forum?

Apart from the main discussions, two key events will take place:

1. Symposium on Aquatic Animal Diseases (February 13, 2025) – Addressing emerging challenges in aquatic animal health, to be inaugurated by Minister of State George Kurian at the A.P. Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi.
2. Academia-Industry-Government Meet (February 14, 2025) – Focused on “De-risking Shrimp Aquaculture Value Chain for Improved Global Competitiveness,” inaugurated by Rajya Sabha MP B. Mastan Rao at Parijat Lecture Hall, NAAS Block, NASC, New Delhi.

The forum will conclude with a closing ceremony on February 14, 2025, at 4:30 PM, where Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, will be the Chief Guest at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, New Delhi.

India’s Future in Fisheries and Aquaculture

With sustainable fisheries becoming a global priority, India is positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly fish farming. Events like the 14AFAF provide an opportunity to strengthen international collaborations, adopt new technologies, and ensure a long-term sustainable and profitable fisheries sector.

Summary of the news