Panaji, Nov 17: International representatives from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States have appealed to the Indian government to put an end to ocean-grabbing and aquaculture projects that are displacing Indian fishers and threatening traditional livelihoods.
Jason Jarvis from the North American Marine Alliance (NAMA), United States, voiced his concern over the Indian government’s push to privatize and industrialize the 7,500 km coastline and 111 rivers for blue economy initiatives, such as the Sagarmala project. He criticized the potential displacement of millions of fisherfolk and appealed for support of marginalized Indian fishers, rather than selling coastal resources to large corporations. “It is painful to hear about these plans, which seem to prioritize profits over people,” Jarvis said, pointing to perceived favoritism towards business magnate Gautam Adani.
Deonarine Singh from the National Fisherfolk Organizations (NFO), Guyana, shared his country’s struggles with oil and gas exploration, which have similarly disrupted fishing communities and damaged the environment. Singh urged India to reconsider any plans that could lead to similar consequences for its fisheries.
Olencio Simoes, General Secretary of the National Fishworkers Forum (NFF), addressed delegates at the ongoing World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP) General Assembly, attended by over 50 countries. He called for international intervention to support Indian fishers, warning that projects like Sagarmala could have devastating effects on livelihoods, climate, and the national economy. Highlighting that 42% of India’s coastline is already eroding and that 16 major rivers, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Cauvery, are drying up, Simoes condemned plans to build new ports in areas like Wadhwan in Maharashtra, Vizhinjam in Kerala, and Karwar in Karnataka, along with expansion efforts at Mormugao Port in Goa.
Simoes also criticized the WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies, claiming it unfairly disadvantages small-scale fishers in developing nations like India. While countries like China dominate global marine catch and receive significant subsidies, India, with a mere 3.91% share of global marine catch, benefits from just 1% of global subsidy distribution. “These WTO rules benefit industrial players while harming small-scale fisheries,” he stated.
Adding to the concerns, K. Lakshmi, an NFF Executive Member from Andhra Pradesh, highlighted the negative impacts of aquaculture on the environment and livelihoods in Visakhapatnam.
The leaders emphasized the urgent need for international awareness and solidarity to protect traditional fisheries from destructive policies.
