India's fisheries sector is vital for food security, employment, rural economies, and export earnings.
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) reports that approximately 91.1% of India's assessed marine fish stocks are currently sustainable.
The nation possesses a vast marine resource base, including an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spanning about 2.4 million square kilometres, with coastal waters and continental shelf regions serving as primary fishing grounds.
Fish production in India reached nearly 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024–25, contributing around 7.43% to the country's Agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA).
The sector is also a significant export earner, with seafood exports totaling approximately ₹62,408 crore in FY 2024–25. This growth was largely driven by frozen shrimp exports to key markets like the United States and China.
Despite this growth, sustainability remains a critical concern. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has highlighted issues such as stagnant marine production, pressure on fish stocks, ecosystem degradation, and the rapid expansion of mechanised fishing.
India currently operates over 64,000 mechanised fishing vessels. Practices like excessive bottom trawling inflict damage on seabed ecosystems, reduce marine biodiversity, and intensify competition with traditional fishermen.
To foster sustainable fishing, India has implemented several initiatives. These include the National Policy on Marine Fisheries 2017, a 61-day monsoon fishing ban, restrictions on destructive fishing methods, and the promotion of artificial reefs and seaweed cultivation.
The future health of Indian fisheries hinges on stronger regulation, robust scientific stock assessment, adoption of sustainable aquaculture technologies (like RAS and Bio-floc), improved cold chain infrastructure, and enhanced market access for fishermen.
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