India is pushing for intensified efforts to secure the rights of country’s fishermen while promoting sustainable fishing practices and marine resource management. Over 28 million fishermen form the backbone of India’s fishing industry.
Protecting Traditional Fishermen
According to the data obtained from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Government of India, all coastal states and Union Territories have implemented Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs), governing fishing activities within the 12 nautical mile zone of territorial waters. These laws are designed to protect traditional fishermen by earmarking exclusive fishing zones for non-mechanized and motorized boats.
Key highlights from coastal states include:
- Gujarat: Reserves areas up to 9 nautical miles from the shore for traditional fishermen.
- Tamil Nadu and Odisha: Set a limit of 5 nautical miles for non-mechanized fishing boats.
- Karnataka: Provides exclusive fishing rights up to 3.23 nautical miles or 4 fathoms (whichever is farther).
- Goa: Reserves zones up to 2.7 nautical miles from the coastline.
These measures aim to ensure that mechanized vessels, which often disrupt marine ecosystems and traditional livelihoods, do not encroach upon these zones.
India’s Fishermen Population
According to data compiled by the Ministry, the state-wise breakdown of India’s fishermen population paints a comprehensive picture of the sector’s human capital:
- Bihar tops the list with over 6 million fishermen.
- Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal follow closely with 3.9 million and 3.2 million respectively.
- Coastal states like Andhra Pradesh (1.49 million) and Kerala (1.04 million) showcase the critical role of marine fisheries.
Unlocking Tuna Fisheries in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
One of the most transformative initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the establishment of a Tuna Cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Recognized for its rich biodiversity of tuna species, including Yellowfin, Skipjack, and Bigeye tuna, the region offers an untapped potential yield of 64,500 metric tonnes annually.
However, the current harvest falls far short of this potential, emphasizing the need for investment and innovation. To address this, the Ministry has approved funding of ₹58.91 crore, including a central share of ₹31.48 crore, for fisheries development in the region.
Approved activities under this plan include:
- Acquisition of seven deep-sea fishing vessels to expand fishing capabilities.
- Modernization of ten existing vessels to meet export standards.
- Establishment of 29 cold storage and ice plants to strengthen the seafood value chain.
- Training programs for onboard tuna handling, facilitated by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
In collaboration with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, MPEDA has also launched an action plan to promote direct seafood exports from the islands, addressing critical gaps in infrastructure and logistics.
Promoting the Blue Economy
India is aligning its initiatives with the Blue Economy vision, which seeks to harness marine resources sustainably while boosting the livelihoods of millions dependent on fishing. Significant efforts are being made to:
- Enhance sustainable fishing practices.
- Improve export competitiveness of Indian marine products.
- Address value chain gaps through infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms.
A New Horizon for India’s Fishermen
As India progresses towards becoming a global leader in fisheries, the emphasis on protecting traditional fishermen, bolstering exports, and managing marine resources responsibly stands as a testament to the India’s vision. The country’s push represents a commitment to preserving the heritage and livelihoods of one of the oldest professions in human history, ensuring that every fisherman’s net is cast in waters brimming with opportunities.