{"id":59591,"date":"2025-11-21T18:31:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T13:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=59591"},"modified":"2025-11-22T15:02:40","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T09:32:40","slug":"aquaculture-fisheries-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/editorial-analysis\/21-11-2025\/aquaculture-fisheries-india","title":{"rendered":"Towards Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in India"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fisheries and aquaculture in India, vital for livelihoods, nutrition, and trade, faces mounting challenges, from overfishing and pollution to climate change and inequitable access to resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Aquaculture &amp; Fisheries in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aquaculture <\/strong>refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms\u2014including <strong>fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants<\/strong>\u2014in controlled environments.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It complements capture fisheries and is vital for meeting the growing demand for protein-rich food.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>According to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/fisheries-sector-in-india\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/fisheries-sector-in-india\/\">National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)<\/a>:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India is the <strong>third-largest aquaculture producer globally<\/strong>, contributing significantly to global fish supply.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sector contributes <strong>1.24% to India\u2019s Gross Value Added (GVA)<\/strong> and <strong>7.28% to agricultural GVA<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fisheries in India<\/strong>: India is the <strong>second largest fish producing country<\/strong> with <strong>around 8% share<\/strong> in global fish production.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>According to the <strong>FAO\u2019s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) 2024<\/strong>, global capture fisheries reached <strong>92.3 million tonnes<\/strong> in 2022, while aquaculture hit a record <strong>130.9 million tonnes<\/strong>, valued at <strong>$313 billion<\/strong>. India contributed <strong>10.23 million tonnes.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fish production has <strong>more than doubled in the past decade<\/strong>\u2014from 96 lakh tonnes in 2013\u201314 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024\u201325, marking a <strong>104% increase.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sector supports the livelihoods of <strong>over 3 crore fishers and fish farmers<\/strong> across the country.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>More than 26 lakh stakeholders are registered on the <strong>National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP)<\/strong> as of August 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>India\u2019s Major Aquaculture &amp; Fisheries Zones<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Marine Fisheries Zones:<\/strong> India has an extensive coastline of 11,098.81 km, supporting for aquaculture and fisheries sector, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>West Coast (Arabian Sea): <\/strong>From Gujarat to Kerala, including Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>East Coast (Bay of Bengal): <\/strong>From West Bengal to Tamil Nadu including Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inland Fisheries Zones: <\/strong>India\u2019s inland fisheries are supported by rivers, reservoirs, ponds, tanks, and wetlands, especially in:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Eastern India: <\/strong>West Bengal, Bihar and Assam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Southern India: <\/strong>Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Central and Northern India:<\/strong> Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brackish Water Aquaculture Zones:<\/strong> Brackish water aquaculture, especially shrimp farming, is concentrated in Andhra Pradesh (over 60% of India\u2019s shrimp production), Tamil Nadu and Odisha, and West Bengal (Traditional<strong> Bheri Systems<\/strong> <strong>in the Sundarbans<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Concerns in the Sector<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Environmental Stress:<\/strong> Overfishing, habitat degradation, and water pollution are straining aquatic ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and long-term productivity.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In <strong>Kashmir\u2019s Wular Lake<\/strong>, mass fish deaths\u2014especially of <strong>snow trout<\/strong>\u2014have been linked to illegal fishing practices using electric shocks, which devastate aquatic life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate Change Impacts:<\/strong> Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are affecting breeding cycles and water quality, especially in inland aquaculture zones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regulatory and Governance Challenges:<\/strong> Despite new deep-sea fishing rules, enforcement remains weak. The <strong>government\u2019s recent notification<\/strong> aims to empower <strong>Fishermen Cooperative Societies<\/strong> and<strong> Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs)<\/strong>, but concerns persist over foreign vessel bans and equitable access to marine resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food Safety and Traceability: <\/strong>The <strong>Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)<\/strong> stresses the need for certification and traceability to maintain <strong>credibility in global markets.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India risks losing export competitiveness, without robust standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Socioeconomic Vulnerabilities:<\/strong> Small-scale fishers often lack access to credit, insurance, and infrastructure, making them vulnerable to market shocks and environmental disruptions, while aquaculture is a major employment generator.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Related Efforts &amp; Initiatives<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Institutional and Policy Drivers: <\/strong>National agencies \u2014 including the <em>Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), MPEDA, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), and Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA)<\/em> \u2014 have driven <strong>innovation and sustainability<\/strong> across the value chain.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Private sector investments have strengthened hatcheries, feed production, and export-oriented value addition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transformative Government Initiatives: <\/strong>Flagship programmes like <strong>Blue Revolution<\/strong> and <strong>Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) <\/strong>have accelerated inland and coastal aquaculture, improved safety standards, and enhanced regulatory frameworks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Reforms:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Vessel transponders<\/strong> for fisher safety and marine monitoring;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kisan Credit Card inclusion<\/strong> for digital and financial access;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matsya Seva Kendras<\/strong> for integrated fisheries support;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages Programme<\/strong> to enhance adaptation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Draft National Fisheries Policy (2020)<\/strong> for sustainable governance;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Other Important Initiatives<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):<\/strong> It includes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrated Aqua Parks Under PMMSY;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Artificial Reefs Deployed Under PMMSY;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designated Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBCs);<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technological Advancements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Satellite Technology Integration:<\/strong> National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support System, application of Oceansat, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) etc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GIS-Based Resource Mapping: <\/strong>Implementation of GIS technology for mapping marine fish landing centers and fishing grounds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>India&#8217;s Sustainable Fishing Efforts:<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF, 2017):<\/strong> It places a strong emphasis on <strong>sustainability as the core principle<\/strong> for all marine fisheries actions.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It guides the conservation and management of India\u2019s marine fishery resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regulation and Conservation Measures<\/strong>: It has implemented several conservation measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine fish stocks, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Uniform Fishing Ban:<\/strong> A 61-day <strong>uniform fishing ban during the monsoon season<\/strong> in the EEZ to allow fish stocks to replenish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prohibition of Destructive Fishing Methods:<\/strong> Bans on pair trawling, bull trawling, and the use of artificial LED lights in fishing, which help reduce overfishing and minimize damage to marine ecosystems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion of Sustainable Practices<\/strong>: Encouraging sea ranching, the installation of artificial reefs, and mariculture activities such as seaweed cultivation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fisheries Regulations by States\/UTs:<\/strong> Coastal States\/UTs have implemented gear-mesh size and engine power regulations, <strong>minimum legal size (MLS)<\/strong> of fish, and zonation of fishing areas for different types of vessels, contributing to sustainable fishing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAO\u2019s Longstanding Partnership with India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP):<\/strong> Enhanced small-scale fishing technologies, sea safety, and post-harvest practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project:<\/strong> Supported the <em>Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM)<\/em>, conservation of endangered species, and reduction of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GEF-Funded Aquaculture Project in Andhra Pradesh:<\/strong> Promotes <em>climate-resilient, low-footprint aquaculture<\/em> under Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture (EAA) and <em>Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA)<\/em> principles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) of FAO:<\/strong> For modernization and sustainability of fishing ports, starting with pilot projects in <strong>Vanakbara (Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Diu)<\/strong> and <strong>Jakhau (Gujarat)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recently, the <strong>Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) <\/strong>called for renewed commitment to \u2018India\u2019s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports\u2019, on <strong>World Fisheries Day 2025 (November 21).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Way Forward<\/strong>: <strong>Focusing on Sustainability and Inclusivity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s fisheries and aquaculture sectors are poised for continued growth \u2014 but sustainability remains non-negotiable. India needs to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regulate fishing efforts using <strong>science-based stock assessments;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen <strong>Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS)<\/strong> systems to curb IUU fishing;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote <strong>ecosystem-based approaches<\/strong> and <strong>sustainable aquaculture guidelines;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhance <strong>traceability, certification, and digital monitoring tools;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure <strong>inclusivity<\/strong> for small-scale fishers and farmers;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Blue Revolution 2.0:<\/strong> It is a new phase in India\u2019s Blue Revolution, focusing on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sustainability: <\/strong>Emphasizing responsible fishing, habitat conservation, and climate resilience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inclusivity: <\/strong>Empowering women and small-scale fishers through training and access to markets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diversification: <\/strong>Expanding into mariculture, ornamental fish farming, and high-value species like shrimp and tuna.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Daily Mains Practice Question<\/strong><br><strong>[Q]<\/strong> Discuss the key challenges and policy interventions necessary for achieving sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in India. How can India balance ecological conservation with economic growth in this sector?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/indias-fisheries-and-aquaculture-its-promising-course\/article70303947.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source: TH<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/UPSC-Editorial-Analysis-21-November-2025.PDF.pdf\">Download PDF<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fisheries and aquaculture in India, vital for livelihoods, nutrition, and trade, faces mounting challenges, from overfishing and pollution to climate change and inequitable access to resources.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-59591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-editorial-analysis"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59591","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59591"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59591\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59661,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59591\/revisions\/59661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59591"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}