IESFAC Proceedings 2023

Abstract

The Indian Ecological Society, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is organizing 3 days conference on "Fisheries and Aquaculture: An Ecological Perspective" (IESFAC-2023) from 22 nd to 24 th February, 2023 in collaboration with Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) at Ludhiana, Punjab; which is first of its kind in the State to deliberate on strategic innovations and key issues related to eco-sustainability, economic viability and resilience of aqua food production resources. Socio-economic contribution of fisheries sector is evident from its contributions towards food security, malnutrition, livelihood sustenance, employment generation and economic growth at community, regional, national and global levels; in special reference to rural development in developing countries like India. In view of prospective role of the fisheries sector in fulfilling united nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) to attain "Zero Hunger" and "Good Health and Well Being", it is vital to develop the sector in an eco-responsible manner. Further, conservation and sustainable use of aquatic resources advocated under the SDG-14 "Life below Water" also relates to economic value of fisheries sector in many ways.Veteran experts, scientists, young fisheries professionals, farmers and industry representatives will be sharing the conference platform to present latest innovative technologies, requirements, issues and strategies for sustainable development of the sector; under different theme areas covering aquaculture production systems; sustainable aquafeeds and feed technologies; genetics, breeding and biotechnology, aquaculture environment/health management and one health; responsible aquaculture and climate resilience in fisheries; aquatic ecosystem assessment, management and conservation; processing, value addition, quality assurance and marketing; and capacity building and socio-economic empowerment. National and international experts have contributed their research findings and experiences for wider sharing and debate for fruitful linkages and applications. Keynote and lead speakers from esteemed national and international institutes will interact with the participants on important issues related to human resource requirements; sustainable economic utilization of aquatic resources; species and production system diversifications; organic recycling based integrated aquafarming technologies; quality assurance; economic and smart feed technologies; AMR and responsible aquaculture; processing towards circular bioeconomy; marketing and export; and doubling farmers income through food and ornamental fish/shellfish culture in freshwater, brackish water and marine water resources.An effective forward and backward feedback system is required to address need based regional requirements of the stakeholders to remove weak links within the supply chain and in this context an "Academia-Farmer-Industry" interface during the conference will help in spotlighting required actions to reinforce the sector in interest of stak...