India will host the World Seafood Congress (WSC) for the first time in 2026, underscoring its growing influence in global seafood trade and aquaculture innovation.
The biennial event, organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in collaboration with the International Association of Fish Inspectors (IAFI), will take place in Chennai.
Since its inception in 1999, the Congress has been held across leading maritime nations, including Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Ireland, Morocco, the United States, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Malaysia, and Portugal. The 2026 edition marks India’s debut as host, reflecting the country’s emergence as a significant voice in international seafood markets.
The official announcement was made during a press conference in New Delhi on September 26. Co-organized by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, and hosted by PDA Ventures, the Congress will bring together global seafood leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the latest trends in aquatic trade, technology, and sustainability.
The event has received support from several national and international bodies, including the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
NITI Aayog, Seafood Exporters Association of India, ICAR-CIBA, ICAR-CMFRI, NCSCM, FAITT, and the Indian Marine Ingredients Association (IMIA) have also extended their support. Technical cooperation has been extended by FAO, UNIDO, and WorldFish, while the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) serves as the technical partner.
In the run-up to the main event, IAFI and its partners will organize a pre-Congress session focusing on trade integration challenges faced by Asian and African nations in the seafood sector.
PDA Ventures Chairman Pradeep Devaiah described the Congress as a “landmark opportunity” for India to present its seafood potential on a global platform. “This is a matter of great pride for India. The Congress will help attract partnerships, exchange ideas, and promote sustainable practices,” he said.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global trade in aquatic animal products is projected to grow by 1.7% to $183.8 billion in 2025, with exports of algae-based products expected to reach $15 billion.
India has become one of the world’s top seafood producers and exporters. The country is currently the sixth-largest supplier to global markets and the second-largest producer of fish through aquaculture.
In 2023–24, India exported 1.78 million tons of marine products valued at ₹60,523.89 crore ($7.38 billion), with total fish production reaching 18.40 million tons.
The WSC 2026 will also feature a concurrent trade fair showcasing innovations in processing, packaging, supply chains, testing, and certification, aimed at helping Indian exporters strengthen their competitiveness in international markets.
The Congress program will include plenary sessions, workshops, and technical discussions across key themes such as the seafood trade’s role in nutrition and livelihoods, regulatory challenges, processing technology, and circular economy practices in fisheries.
Abstract submissions are now open for professionals and researchers, while a poster competition and the Peter Howgate Award will encourage participation from young fisheries professionals.
IAFI President Dr. Ian Goulding said hosting the event in India highlights the country’s growing leadership in the seafood industry.
“The World Seafood Congress has always been a bridge between science, industry, and policy. Bringing the Congress to India provides an opportunity for developing nations to strengthen their role in sustainable and equitable seafood trade,” he noted.
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