The Export Inspection Agency – Chennai (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India), in association with the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, the Export Inspection Agency (EIA)–Chennai organized a Hygiene Awareness Programme for the Fishermen Community as part of the celebration of “Swachhata Pakhwada – 2025” on 08 November 2025 at the Kasimedu Fishing Harbour, Chennai.
On behalf of Export Inspection Agency- Chennai, Shri. Jayapalan G, Deputy Director (In charge) organised the event along with Shri. B.Thirunageswaran Assistant director of fisheries and fishermen welfare Chennai Fishing harbour management wing. The officials from both the office and Mr. Jagan, Vice President and other members of Seafood Exporter Association of India, Tamil Nadu Chapter, students from Dr. M.G.R. Fisheries College and Research Institute (TNJFU) including Fishermen of Kasimedu Fishing harbour more than 100 peraons participated in this Fishermen’s Awareness programme. All participants actively took part in the harbour cleaning drive, promoting the spirit of Swachhta and collective responsibility towards a cleaner and safer fishery environment.
The Program primarily focused on;
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the fishermen community of Kasimedu Fishing Harbour, who actively engaged in learning about hygienic handling of fish on board and at the landing centres to prevent contamination by pathogens. The session emphasized that the safety of fishery products begins at the landing centres, and maintaining clean and hygienic fishing harbours is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of seafood.
Maintaining hygiene in fishing harbours forms an essential part of the Swachhta Abhiyan, ensuring cleanliness, food safety, and environmental protection. As fishing harbours are busy areas where large quantities of fish are landed and handled daily, unclean surroundings can cause contamination, foul odour, pest infestation, and the spread of diseases. Regular waste disposal, proper drainage, sanitation, and clean working platforms help ensure that the fish remain safe, fresh, and of exportable quality.
A clean harbour not only protects the marine environment and improves the health and safety of workers but also enhances the global image of India’s seafood sector. The program also highlighted the harmful impact of single-use plastics on the marine environment. Participants were encouraged to avoid the use of single-use plastic materials such as plastic bags, cups, and bottles, which often end up in the sea and harm aquatic life. The initiative promoted the use of eco-friendly alternatives and emphasized the need for collective responsibility in reducing plastic waste at the harbour premises to protect both marine biodiversity and the quality of seafood.
As a regulatory body under the Export Inspection Council (EIC), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, the Export Inspection Agency – Chennai holds the responsibility of ensuring that all certified seafood products are safe for human consumption and meet international hygiene standards.