India's effort to Utilize its Marine Fisheries Resources

Prospects of India's Fishing Industry

India's coastline spans around 11,098.81 km, featuring 1,457 landing centers and 3,461 fishing villages, establishing a robust foundation for the growth of fisheries.

India ranks as the third biggest fish-producing nation globally, contributing 8% to worldwide output in 2022-2023.

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the country covers almost 2 million sq km, with an estimated yearly potential of 5.31 million metric tonnes (MMT) for capture fisheries.

India's marine fish catch was noted at 44.95 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 and 44.32 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.

Valuable tuna and similar species have been recognized as a key growth sector, especially for export opportunities.

Essential Aspects of the Updated Regulatory Structure

The proposed guidelines require that no vessel flying the Indian flag is allowed to fish in the High Seas without obtaining a Letter of Authorisation (LOA).

The LOA will remain valid for three years, providing regulatory supervision for a specified duration.

The framework bans Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, positioning India in accordance with international fisheries governance standards.

Indian ships must adhere to the conservation and management protocols set by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), which include:

Harvest restrictions,

Equipment limitations,

Reducing bycatch,

Management of Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs),

Voyage documentation obligations.

The guidelines also include training and capacity-building initiatives to assist small-scale and traditional fishers in engaging in High Seas fishing and enhancing value-chain efficiencies.

Concentrate on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as Lakshadweep.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands comprise 6.6 lakh sq km of EEZ, approximately one-third of India's overall maritime area.

A specialized “tuna cluster” has been established, comprising: Onboard processing and freezing equipment, Licensing for deep-sea tuna boats, A streamlined clearance system managed by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.

a one-stop clearance system managed by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.

The Lakshadweep Islands encompass an EEZ of 400,000 sq km, roughly 17% of India’s overall EEZ, as well as a lagoon region of 4,200 sq km.

Lakshadweep's development plans focus on leveraging potential in tuna fisheries, aquaculture, and sustainable lagoon-based fishing systems, positioning the islands as a crucial center for marine resource development.

What are the obstacles?

Nearshore fisheries are being overfished, while the potential of offshore and deep-sea resources remains largely untapped.

Small-scale and traditional fishers encounter challenges in obtaining the technology, funding, and training required for fishing in the High Seas.

Insufficient cold chains, ports, and contemporary processing plants create inefficiencies and limit export capabilities.

Ecological risks arise from environmental issues such as bycatch, coral reef damage, and the use of unsustainable fishing equipment.

Monitoring and enforcing against IUU fishing need enhanced surveillance systems and greater institutional capabilities.

Government programs

Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): It promotes technology advancement, market growth, and quality assurance.

National Marine Fisheries Action Plan (NMFAP): The plan encompasses strategies to enhance fishery resource evaluation, upgrade infrastructure and technology within the fisheries industry, and encourage aquaculture growth.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): This initiative was launched to achieve the Blue Revolution by promoting sustainable and responsible advancements in the fisheries sector in India from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): It was established to create a fund aimed at meeting the infrastructure needs of the fisheries industry.

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was expanded in 2018-19 to include fisheries and animal husbandry farmers, aiding them in fulfilling their working capital needs.

Path Forward

Enhancing Infrastructure: Allocate funds for advanced ports, cold-chain logistics, and processing plants to minimize post-harvest losses and improve export competitiveness.