Event | 26 to 27 February 2026

M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Fisheries Fair

The M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Fisheries Fair, themed “Fish for All and Ever: A Pathway Towards Biohappiness,” brings together policymakers, scientists, researchers, philanthropists, innovators, and small-scale fishermen and women to deliberate on sustainable fisheries, coastal protection, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.  

From 26 to 27 February 2026 at MSSRF, Taramani, Chennai, this platform will facilitate shared learning, policy dialogue, technological demonstrations, experiential exchange, and recognition of community leaders. This fair brings together key stakeholders to inspire a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for India's coastal and fishing communities — in the spirit of Professor M.S. Swaminathan's vision.

Key Events & Activities

Keynote Addresses

Keynote speakers include Dr. Meenakumari, Former Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority of India and Mr. Veerappan, Tribal Fisherman, Kalaignar Nagar, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. 

Panel Discussions

Marine and fishery experts will uncover ways to secure an equitable, sustainable future for artisanal fishers, and empower women in fisheries. Fishermen and women will also engage in a lively discussion about their experiences and recommendations. 

Exhibition

Coastal organisations, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and small-scale fishers will showcase fishing technologies and community enterprises from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. 

Biohappiness Champions Award

14 fishermen and women across coastal India will be awarded and recognized for their excellence in marine conservation and aquaculture. 

Meet the Awardees

Book Launches

MSSRF’s publications including Tides of Transformation Award to Community Champions, which is a series of fishers’ case studies, and the MSSRF Fish for All Centre’s 16th Annual Report will be released at the event.

Call to Action

Informed by the knowledge exchange at the event, MSSRF will develop a Call to Action— delivering key insights and recommendations with the potential to support policy dialogues.

Fish for All and Ever: A Pathway Towards Biohappiness 

A key pillar of Professor Swaminathan’s philosophy was biohappiness—the idea that true human wellbeing can only be achieved when biodiversity is conserved in ways that enhance human health, nutrition, and livelihoods, creating harmony between people and nature.

Securing the future of small-scale fishers lies at the heart of this vision. Their livelihoods, nutrition, and cultural identity are directly tied to healthy coastal and marine ecosystems. When artisanal fishers have equitable access to resources, strong social protection, secure tenure, safe working conditions, and climate-resilient technologies, they are not only able to sustain their livelihoods with dignity but also continue their role as stewards of coastal and marine biodiversity. Strengthening small-scale fisheries therefore becomes both a pathway to ecological restoration and a foundation for community wellbeing—realizing the integrated vision of Fish for All and Ever and advancing the broader goal of biohappiness.