‘Sea conclave’ on systemic issues within marine, fisheries sectors

The Fishermen Community Development Programme will host a ’sea conclave’ at Summer In Bethlehem, Thirumullavaram, on January 7 to deliberate on the critical challenges and solutions within the marine and fisheries sectors. Organised in collaboration with the Centre for Social Innovation and Development Studies and the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies , the conclave aims to address the systemic issues threatening the industry. “The sector is currently facing a grave crisis fueled by marine pollution, climate change, overfishing, erosion of marine biodiversity, and the damaging effects of sea sand mining – all of which demand urgent attention and collective action,” said FCDP director Fr. Saji Elambasseril at a press meet here on Saturday.

N.K. Premachandran, MP, will inaugurate the conclave and Paul Antony Mullassery, Bishop of Kollam, will preside over the function. Divya S. Iyer, Managing Director of Vizhinjam International Seaport, will deliver the keynote address.

There will be sessions on ‘Marine Ecosystems’ and ‘Challenges Traditional Fisherfolk and Innovative Socio-Economic Security Measures.’ The afternoon session will be dedicated to a public forum for a diverse range of stakeholders including trade union representatives, boat owners, political organisations, and fish traders — to voice their concerns.

The conclave will conclude with a valedictory session inaugurated by Union Minister George Kurian. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and former Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac will be the guests of honor.