India and Israel have signed a joint ministerial declaration to enhance cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture. The agreement recognizes Israel’s advanced technologies in the sector and India’s abundant aquatic resources. The declaration outlines collaboration in various areas, including research in aquaculture technologies and genetic improvement programs.
The joint declaration encompasses joint research and development in advanced aquaculture technologies like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and biofloc. It also focuses on breeding high-yield species and developing pathogen-free seed improvement strategies. Additionally, the cooperation aims to establish new India-Israel Centres of Excellence for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The partnership will also cover mariculture, genetic improvement programs, and water management in aquaculture using Israeli water-saving technologies. It emphasizes sustainable fishing practices to conserve marine resources and reduce environmental impacts. The agreement aims to promote technology-based fisheries monitoring and data-collection systems for evidence-based management.
Capacity building is a key aspect of the cooperation, with a focus on deep-sea fishing, vessel design, coastal aquaculture, and marine resource conservation. Both countries plan to implement exchange programs for fishers, aqua farmers, scientists, and policymakers. The agreement also seeks to enhance bilateral trade through dialogue to facilitate exports and imports and support technology-driven traceability systems in fisheries and aquaculture.
