*𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗘𝗰𝗼-𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆* In a major push towards sustainable and smart fishing harbours, the Department of Fisheries, along with Agence Française de Développement (AFD), held a Technical Dialogue on “Eco-Fishing Ports” in New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), focused on building environment-friendly and inclusive fishing ports that protect the marine ecosystem, support coastal communities, and boost economic growth. Officials from France, Indonesia, FAO, IIT Madras, ADB, seafood exporters, and Indian state fisheries departments participated in the discussions. 🌿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼-𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀? These are modern ports designed to reduce pollution, handle fish safely, and support fisherfolk livelihoods. They include features like: Green breakwater designs Clean energy use (solar, wind, electric equipment) Waste management and recycling Smart tech for real-time harbour operations Safe and hygienic fish handling 🔧𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 India has already approved projects worth ₹9,832.95 crore to modernize 117 fishing harbours (FHs) and fish landing centres (FLCs). Three smart and integrated fishing harbours are coming up at: Vanakbara (Daman & Diu) Karaikal (Puducherry) Jakhau (Gujarat) 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲: Rainwater harvesting Energy-efficient lighting Electric-powered tools IoT sensors and data systems Sewage treatment and marine clean-up operations 🔍 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 Smart design and sustainable infrastructure Community participation and private harbour models Export-focused strategies and value addition Post-construction monitoring and performance tracking AFD shared global strategies, especially from their work in the Blue Economy, offering India valuable insights on managing ports efficiently while keeping climate goals in mind. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 11,099 km of coastline 2nd in global fish production Seafood exports have doubled in 10 years (₹30,213 Cr in FY14 to ₹60,523.89 Cr in FY24) Major export destinations: China, USA, EU, and Japan With climate change and infrastructure gaps as key challenges, the government aims to develop Blue Ports that not only serve as logistics hubs but also support coastal communities and sustainable marine practices.