India to Host World Seafood Congress 2026, Marking Debut in Chennai

India to Host Prestigious World Seafood Congress for the First Time in 2026

Chennai is set to host the  World Seafood Congress (WSC) in 2026 , marking the first time this premier global forum on fisheries and aquaculture will be held in India. This biennial event represents a significant milestone, recognizing India's expanding influence as a major producer, exporter, and innovator in the global seafood industry. The congress will convene international policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and regulators to strengthen trade, promote sustainability, and address food security.

India's Entry onto the Global Leadership Stage
The hosting of WSC 2026 in Chennai underscores India's strategic role in the international seafood value chain. Previously hosted by nations like Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia, the congress's arrival in India highlights the country's transition into a pivotal hub for seafood trade, technology adoption, and sustainable practices. The forum aims to balance  economic growth in the seafood sector with critical environmental and social governance (ESG) goals .

Institutional Backing and Organizers
The event is a collaborative effort led by prominent national and international bodies. It is jointly organized by the  International Association of Fish Inspectors (IAFI) ,  PDA Ventures , and the  National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad . The  Department of Fisheries  serves as the co-organizer, with high-level support from key central ministries and institutions, including the  Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and NITI Aayog . Technical and cooperative support is provided by the  Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) , the  Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ,  UNIDO , and  WorldFish .

Conference Agenda and Exhibition Focus
The Congress agenda is designed to bridge science, policy, and commerce. It will feature plenary sessions, expert panels, and technical workshops covering  sustainable seafood trade, international inspection standards, market access, and emerging technologies  like blockchain and AI for traceability. A major concurrent exhibition will showcase innovations across the supply chain—from  processing, packaging, and cold-chain logistics to certification systems and quality control technologies —aimed at fostering business partnerships between Indian and global enterprises.

Strategic Impact and Awards
The Congress will also host the  2026 Peter Howgate Award , supporting young fish technologists under 30 to attend, thereby investing in future industry leaders. With partnerships from the  Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation  and support from industry bodies like the  Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)  and the  Seafood Exporters Association of India , WSC 2026 is positioned to cement India's role as a key player in ensuring global food security through responsible and innovative seafood practices.

Exam-Focused Important Facts:

• Event:   World Seafood Congress (WSC) , a biennial global forum.

• Host:   India (Chennai)  will host it for the  first time in 2026 .

• Key Organizer:   National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) , which functions under the  Department of Fisheries .

• International Partner:   FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) , a specialized agency of the