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 epicentre for those shaping the next chapter of the seafood value chain. The Indian edition will witness participation of delegates from over twenty countries.
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, Jayalakshmi Seafoods as the Delegate Kit Partner, and the 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.
Pradeep Devaiah, Chairman, PDA Ventures Pvt. Ltd., said, “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.”