India to host world seafood congress in 2026 for the first time

India will host the World Seafood Congress (WSC) for the first time in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the world’s sixth-largest seafood supplier. The biennial global event will be held in Chennai and is expected to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders from across the world.

Since its inception in 1999, the World Seafood Congress has been organised in countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, and Iceland, but never before in India, Asia’s second-largest fish producer.

“It is a matter of great pride for India to host the World Seafood Congress for the first time,” said Pradeep Devaiah, Chairman of PDA Ventures, the host organisation. He described it as a landmark opportunity to showcase India’s seafood sector on a global platform.

The congress comes at a time when global seafood trade continues to expand. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), world trade in aquatic animal products is projected to grow by 1.7 per cent to reach USD 183.8 billion in 2025, while exports of algae are forecast to touch USD 15 billion.

India has also seen steady growth in its seafood sector. In 2023-24, the country exported 1.78 million tonnes of marine products valued at USD 7.38 billion, while its total fish production reached 18.40 million tonnes, government data shows.

The Department of Fisheries and the International Association of Fish Inspectors (IAFI) are co-organising the event, which will feature technical presentations, workshops, and a trade fair. The exhibition will highlight new technologies in processing, quality control, and supply chain innovations.

“The World Seafood Congress has always been a bridge between science, industry and policy,” said Dr. Ian Goulding, President of IAFI. “Bringing WSC to India reflects the country’s growing leadership in the global seafood trade.”

Key themes of the congress will include seafood regulation, sustainable processing technologies, and the circular economy for fishery products. In addition, a pre-congress event will focus on challenges faced by Asian and African countries in global seafood trade.

The event is being supported by multiple government ministries in India, along with international bodies such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).