The third phase of Sagar Parikrama began at Hazira port in Surat on Sunday. Union Minister Parshottam Rupala unveiled the Parikrama aimed at resolving fishermen's issues.<br />''<br />'' Addressing a press conference at Surat, Union Minister of fisheries Parsottam Rupala said, considering the importance of fisheries sector in rural and marine economy, the government has accorded top priority for the development of fisheries sector. He said, the exports of the fisheries and allied sector have increased to 57 thousand crore rupees. Mr. Rupala said various schemes worth over 32 thousand crores rupees have been implemented for fisheries sector.<br />'' <br />'' The minister said Sagar Parikrama is a platform to establish direct communication with all the stakeholders of the fisheries including the fishermen and bring solutions to the problems faced by them.<br />'' <br />'' The three-day parikrama will culminate at Mumbai on 21 February. During the parikrama, the minister and officials of the fisheries department will hold talks with the fishermen of the villages on the route of parikrama.<br />''<br />'' The main objectives of Sagar Parikrama are to disseminate information of various fisheries-related schemes and programs being implemented by the government, promoting responsible fisheries, protecting marine ecosystems, and demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk and concerned stakeholders.<br />'' <br />'' The journey focuses on sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for food security of the nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities.  It also seeks protection of marine ecosystems, and to bridge the gaps of fisher communities.<br />'' <br />''Several departments and organizations, including the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and National Fisheries Development Board, are taking part in the event.<br />