New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) India and Israel have formalized a joint ministerial declaration with the aim of fortifying bilateral partnerships within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This collaboration highlights Israel's cutting-edge technologies and innovations while leveraging India's extensive aquatic resources, as stated in an official announcement released on Thursday.

The accord was finalized during a high-ranking Indian delegation's visit, led by Union Minister of Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh, from January 13-15, coinciding with the second global summit on "Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026" held in Eilat, Israel.

The joint declaration outlines a holistic framework for collaboration across various areas of shared interest.

Key focus areas include joint research initiatives in advanced aquaculture technologies such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc, cage culture, aquaponics, and aquarium systems, including oceanarium, along with expertise in breeding high-yield species.

Additionally, it encompasses pathogen-free seed enhancement strategies and broodstock development.

A notable aspect of this cooperation will involve exploring the establishment of new India-Israel Centres of Excellence for Fisheries and Aquaculture, modeled after the successful network of 43 existing agricultural Centres of Excellence under India-Israel collaboration.

Moreover, the partnership will address genetic improvement programs, mariculture including seaweed cultivation, and water management in aquaculture through Israeli water conservation technologies.

The Declaration stresses the importance of startup exchange and support in fisheries and aquaculture, aiming to bolster cooperation in advancing the Blue Economy.

Furthermore, the declaration encourages sustainable and responsible fishing practices to preserve marine resources, minimize environmental impacts, and ensure the long-term viability of fisheries.

This includes collaboration in technology-driven fisheries monitoring and data collection systems that foster evidence-based management, transparency, and traceability while meeting the socio-economic needs of fishing communities.

Capacity building will be a primary focus, featuring initiatives in deep-sea fishing, vessel design and development, coastal aquaculture, and marine resource conservation through technological innovation.

As part of this declaration, both nations will investigate exchange programs for fishers, aqua farmers, scientists, and policymakers, alongside training in modern fish processing, marketing, and infrastructure development, which includes fishing harbors and fish landing facilities.

The declaration also seeks to enhance bilateral trade through discussions aimed at facilitating exports and imports, addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and supporting technology-driven traceability systems within fisheries and aquaculture, as noted in the statement.

This agreement acknowledges the longstanding and strategic partnership between India and Israel, and their shared vision for sustainable development, recognizing the crucial role of fisheries and aquaculture in ensuring food security, livelihoods, and economic growth for both nations.