India takes a
significant step onto the global stage as Chennai hosts the World Seafood
Congress (WSC) 2026, bringing together decision makers working to enhance
the value of global trade in fishery and aquaculture products. After Canada,
the Netherlands, Australia, Ireland, Morocco, the United States, the United
Kingdom, Iceland, Malaysia, and Portugal, this biennial forum now makes
its historic debut in India. This milestone reflects India's emergence as a
pivotal force in global seafood trade and technology. From trade dynamics to
sustainable technology, the WSC 2026 will be the epicenter for those shaping
the next chapter of the seafood value chain.
The World
Seafood Congress 2026 is jointly organised by the International Association of
Fish Inspectors (IAFI), an UN-recognised NGO, PDA Ventures and the National
Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad. It is co-organised by the Department of
Fisheries, with the high-level support of the Ministry of Food Processing
Industries, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and NITI Aayog - Government of
India.
The Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, is the technical partner
for the event. FAO, Rome, UNIDO, Vienna, Austria, and WorldFish, Penang,
Malaysia, have also extended their technical cooperation for the event.
Additionally,
the Congress is supported by a broad coalition of industry bodies, including
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Seafood Exporters
Association of India (SEAI), Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
(MSME), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Foundation
for Aquaculture Innovation & Technology Transfer (FAITT), Indian Marine
Ingredients Association (IMIA), National Institute of Fisheries
Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), and more.
The other
supporting associations are Devi Seafoods as the Lanyard & Badge Partner,
Guidance Tamil Nadu as the Guidance Partner, City Union Bank as the Banking
Partner, and Jayalakshmi Seafoods as the Delegate Kit Partner and Seafood
Exporters Association of India as the Networking Dinner Partner. The event will
also have a Fish Meal Pavilion hosted by the Indian Marine Ingredients
Association.
“It is a matter of great pride for India to host the
World Seafood Congress for the first time. This is a landmark opportunity to
showcase India’s seafood sector to the world, attract global partnerships, and
deliberate on new technologies and sustainable practices.” - Mr Pradeep
Devaiah, Chairman of PDA Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
MoU with Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development
Corporation Limited
Aligned with its mandate to expand seafood markets,
TNFDC has partnered with PDA as a Strategic Partner to promote the World
Seafood Congress 2026 nationwide and drive participation across key
stakeholders.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inaugural session of the World Seafood Congress
2026 will open with a warm welcome note from Mr Sagar Mehra, Joint
Secretary for the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. The program
continues with a series of opening addresses from esteemed global figures,
including Dr. Manuel Barange (FAO), Mr. Alejandro Rivera Rojas
(UNIDO), Dr. Jörn O. Schmidt (WorldFish), Dr. K.N. Raghavan
(General Secretary -SEAI), Mr. G. Pawan Kumar (National President
– SEAI), Mr Dodda Venkata Swamy (Chairman MPEDA) and Dr. Ian Goulding
(President IAFI). The session will reach its peak with a keynote address titled
“Netting Aqua Potentials for Nutrition Security and Economic Prosperity,”
delivered by Dr. Tarun Shridhar, Former Secretary of Fisheries and
Chairman of the WSC 2026 International Advisory Committee.
Conference Overview:
The Congress features a
dynamic agenda including plenary sessions, expert panels, technical workshops,
and thematic discussions on sustainable seafood trade, inspection standards,
market access, and inclusive growth. Participants will gain in-depth insights
and networking opportunities through cross-sector dialogue on policy,
technology, and sustainability. Alongside the above, there will be exciting,
informative presentations from global experts, which will attract rewards.
Exhibition Highlights:
The WSC 2026 exhibition
serves as a vibrant trade platform showcasing cutting-edge technologies,
products, and services across the seafood supply chain. Exhibitors will present
innovations in processing, packaging, quality control, logistics,
certification, digital systems, and cold-chain solutions, bringing together
leading global and Indian enterprises to foster business engagement and
partnership.
Award:
The Congress will be attended by the two winners of the
2026 Peter Howgate Award, a prestigious grant that supports young fish
technologists (under the age of 30) to attend the Congress. Named in honour of
the late Peter Howgate for his significant contributions to fish technology,
this year's winners are Ms Harini Ravi from the National
Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship, India, and Ms Riza Jane
Banicod from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Republic of the Philippines. The award will
present these young participants with a transformative
opportunity to gain insights, build global networks, and engage with leaders in
the seafood sector.
“The World Seafood Congress has always been a bridge
between science, industry and policy. Bringing WSC to India reflects the
country’s growing leadership in the global seafood trade. This edition will provide
a powerful platform for developing nations in Asia and Africa to engage with
the global market, ensuring food security and promoting sustainable trade
practices.” - Dr Ian Goulding, President, IAFI.
The WSC continues its legacy of being the most influential
global forum for advancing sustainable growth in the seafood sector,
reinforcing its vital role in ensuring global food security and industry
resilience.
Do not miss the India circuit of this one-of-a-kind
event; Chennai is ready to welcome you.
For more information, please visit www.wsc2026.com or
contact Nijith Nair (nijith@pdaventures.com, + 91-9591364343)