World Seafood Congress 2026 to Make India Debut in Chennai

India is set to strengthen its position in the global seafood value chain as Chennai prepares to host the World Seafood Congress (WSC) 2026 for the first time. The biennial global forum will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and regulators involved in fisheries and aquaculture, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing leadership in seafood trade, technology, and sustainability.

India enters global seafood leadership platform

After being hosted in countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, the United States, and Malaysia, the World Seafood Congress will now convene in India. The Chennai edition reflects India’s expanding role as a major producer, exporter, and technology adopter in fisheries and aquaculture. The Congress will focus on strengthening global seafood trade while addressing sustainability, food security, and inclusive growth.

Organisers and institutional support

The World Seafood Congress 2026 is jointly organised by the International Association of Fish Inspectors, PDA Ventures, and the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad. It is co-organised by the Department of Fisheries with high-level support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and NITI Aayog. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is the technical partner, with cooperation from FAO, UNIDO, and WorldFish.

Conference agenda and exhibition focus

The Congress will feature plenary sessions, expert panels, and technical workshops covering sustainable seafood trade, inspection standards, market access, and emerging technologies. Alongside the conference, an extensive exhibition will showcase innovations across the seafood supply chain, including processing, packaging, cold-chain logistics, certification systems, digital solutions, and quality control technologies. The exhibition aims to foster business partnerships between Indian and global enterprises.

Important Facts for Exams

• World Seafood Congress is a biennial global forum on fisheries and aquaculture.
• WSC 2026 marks the first time the event is being hosted in India.
• National Fisheries Development Board functions under the Department of Fisheries.
• FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations based in Rome.

Awards, partnerships, and strategic impact

The Congress will host the 2026 Peter Howgate Award winners, supporting young fish technologists under 30 to attend the event. Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation has partnered with PDA Ventures to promote nationwide participation. Industry bodies such as MPEDA, Seafood Exporters Association of India, CMFRI, and MSME institutions are supporting the event. Organisers say WSC 2026 will act as a bridge between science, policy, and industry, positioning India as a hub for sustainable seafood trade and reinforcing its role in global food security.