Fisheries is a fast-growing sector in India, providing nutrition and food security to a large population as well as income and employment to more than 28 million people. The fishing industry has been designated a 'Sunrise Sector,' with an outstanding double-digit average annual growth rate of 10.87% since 2014-15. The sector produced a record 142 lakh tonnes of fish in fiscal year 2019-20 and has enormous growth potential. In this article, we will discuss Fisheries which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Fisheries Sector in India

• The fisheries sector has been identified as a powerful income and employment generator because it stimulates the growth of a number of subsidiary industries and provides a source of cheap and nutritious food while also providing a source of income for a large portion of the country's economically disadvantaged population.
• Furthermore, it has helped to sustain the livelihoods of over 28 million people in India, particularly in marginalised and vulnerable communities, and has helped to encourage socioeconomic development.
• Fish, as an inexpensive and abundant source of animal protein, is one of the healthiest options for reducing hunger and nutrient deficiency.
• The sector has enormous potential to double its exports; it is critical that the sector receives sustained and focused attention through policy and financial support to accelerate its development in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive, and equitable manner.
• India is the world's third largest producer of fish and the world's second largest aquaculture nation after China.
• The Blue Revolution in India demonstrated the importance of the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector.
• The sector is considered to be in its early stages and is expected to play a significant role in the Indian economy in the near future.

Marine and Inland Fisheries

Marine Fisheries

• With over 8,000 kilometres of coastline, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million square kilometres, and abundant freshwater resources, fisheries play an important role.
• After China, India is now the world's second largest fish producer and aquaculture nation.
• The total fish production in 2017-18 (provisional) was 12.61 million metric tonnes (MMT), with an inland contribution of 8.92 MMT and a marine contribution of 3.69 MMT.
• The marine fishery potential in Indian waters has been estimated at 5.31 MMT, with 43.3% demersal, 49.5% pelagic, and 4.3% oceanic groups.

Inland Fisheries

• Rivers and canals (197,024 km), reservoirs (3.15 million ha), ponds and tanks (235 million ha), oxbow lakes and derelict waters (1.3 million ha), brackishwaters (1.24 million ha), and estuaries comprise India's freshwater resources (0.29 million ha).
• Inland captured fish production has increased from 192,000 tonnes in 1950 to 781,846 tonnes in 2007, with the main species being cyprinids, siluroids, and murrels.

Potential of India's Fishing Industry

• The Blue Revolution investment of Rs 3,000 crore is supplemented by the Rs. 7,523 crore Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund. This will meet the sector's capital investment requirements.
• The productivity of freshwater fish farms has increased from 2.5 tonnes per hectare to more than 3 tonnes per hectare.
• Brackish water coastal aquaculture productivity has reached 10 to 12 metric tonnes per hectare, up from two to four tonnes per hectare previously.
• Thirty thousand hectares of new fish farming land have been added.
• To meet the rising demand for high-quality fish seed, the government has invested in hatcheries.
• Aquaculture expansion would increase this demand exponentially.
• The use of cage culture in reservoirs and other bodies of open water has increased output.
• Nearly 8,000 cages have been installed, and while each cage produces only three tonnes of fish, this translates into a 1,000% increase in productivity.
• This new practise relieves fishermen of the risk of having to navigate dangerous rivers and restricted reservoirs.

Importance of Fisheries Sector

• In the developing world, inland fisheries employ between 30 million and 60 million people, with women accounting for approximately half of the workforce.
• Approximately 65% of fish caught in inland fisheries come from low-income food deficit countries.
• Fish accounts for more than 25% of global dietary protein.
• In 2017-18, fish accounted for roughly 10% of total Indian exports and nearly 20% of agricultural exports.
• Fisheries and aquaculture production contribute about 1% of India's GDP and more than 5% of agricultural GDP.
• In India, the fishing industry employs approximately 28 million people.
• The sector has enormous potential to more than double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers, as the government envisions.

Challenges for Fisheries Sector

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 90% of the world's marine fish stocks have either been fully exploited, overfished, or depleted to the point where recovery may not be biologically possible.
• Increasing demand: To meet the ever-increasing demand for animal protein, global fish production should reach 196 million tonnes by 2025, up from 171 million tonnes currently.
  • Given the current rate of depletion of marine fish stocks, this appears to be an impossibility.
• Productivity: In both sectors, productivity is low — in terms of per fisher, per boat, and per farm. A fisherman/farmer in Norway catches/produces 250 kg per day, whereas the Indian average is four to five kg.
• Inadequate Mechanization: The marine capture fishery is largely comprised of small fishermen operating traditional boats — either non-motorized vessels or boats with a basic outboard motor.
  • These vessels are not permitted to operate beyond near-shore waters. High-value species, such as tuna, are not catchable by fishermen using these vessels.
• The large catch spoils due to a lack of refrigeration facilities. The use of formalin to preserve the stock has resulted in a ban on the export of fish catch.
• Bottom trawling and improper demarcation of fishing boundaries have caused problems in the form of killings and arrests of fishermen by neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
• Discharge of harmful substances such as plastics and other waste into bodies of water, which has disastrous consequences for aquatic life.
• Climate change is also one of the environmental factors creating hindrance.

Indian Government's Effort to Improve Fisheries

• Establishment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) in 2018-19.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: The program's goal is to produce 22 million tonnes of fish by 2024-25. It is also expected to employ 55 lakh people.
• The Blue Revolution focuses on creating an enabling environment for integrated and holistic fisheries development and management for the socioeconomic development of fishers and fish farmers.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities are being extended to fishermen and fish farmers to assist them in meeting their working capital needs.

Blue Revolution

• Blue Revolution, the Neel Kranti Mission, has the vision of achieving economic prosperity for the country and its fishers and fish farmers, as well as contributing to food and nutritional security through full potential utilisation of water resources for fisheries development in a sustainable manner, while keeping bio-security and environmental concerns in mind.
• The Blue Revolution scheme includes the following components:
  • The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and its activities
  • Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
  • Development of marine fisheries, infrastructure, and post-harvest operations
  • Strengthening the Fisheries Sector's Database and Geographical Information System.
  • Institutional Arrangement for the Fisheries Sector
  • Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) and other need-based interventions
  • Fishermen's National Welfare Scheme

Conclusion

The fishing industry has helped to sustain the livelihoods of over 28 million people in India, particularly those from marginalised and vulnerable communities, and has helped to encourage socioeconomic development. The fisheries sector must develop the capacity to build and operate effective quality assurance systems that meet the increasingly stringent international standards of international markets while also extending these to domestic markets. Similarly, it should encourage efforts to improve selective fishing gear to reduce by-catches of juveniles and non-target species, as well as to develop technologies to make economically viable use of unavoidable by-catches.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which country is the world’s largest fish producer?

A) India
B) China
C) United States
D) Russia

2. What is the main objective of the Blue Revolution in India?

A) To increase crop production
B) To increase fish production through sustainable practices
C) To develop the dairy industry
D) To conserve forest resources

3. Which is the major export commodity of the fisheries sector in India?

A) Fish meal
B) Frozen fish and seafood
C) Fish oil
D) Canned fish

4. Which of the following is a major challenge for the fisheries sector in India?

A) Underfishing
B) Overfishing and environmental degradation
C) Low fish consumption
D) Excessive imports of fish

5. Which aquatic system contributes the most to India’s fish production?

A) Reservoirs
B) Ponds
C) Marine waters
D) Brackish water

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of the fisheries sector in India’s economic growth and food security.

Answer: The fisheries sector in India plays a vital role in food security by providing affordable and nutritious animal protein. It supports the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in rural and coastal areas. The sector is also a significant contributor to India's export earnings, accounting for a large share of agricultural exports. With the implementation of initiatives like the Blue Revolution, the sector has witnessed enhanced productivity and growth. However, challenges like overfishing and environmental degradation need to be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability.

Q2: Evaluate the importance of sustainable practices in aquaculture for the future of India’s fisheries sector.

Answer: Sustainable practices in aquaculture are essential for the long-term growth of India’s fisheries sector. Overexploitation of aquatic resources, environmental degradation, and climate change pose significant threats to fish stocks. By promoting sustainable practices such as responsible fish farming, improved water management, and habitat conservation, India can ensure the continued availability of fish resources while reducing ecological impact. Moreover, sustainable practices contribute to the livelihoods of fish farmers and help meet the growing demand for fish in both domestic and international markets.

Q3: What are the key measures that the Indian government can take to address the challenges faced by the fisheries sector?

Answer: The Indian government can address the challenges of the fisheries sector by implementing measures like improving infrastructure, providing financial support to fish farmers, and ensuring sustainable fishing practices. Policies to regulate overfishing, enhance fish farming techniques, and protect aquatic ecosystems are crucial. Additionally, investment in research and development for better aquaculture techniques and the promotion of eco-friendly practices will help enhance productivity. Increasing awareness among stakeholders about climate change and its impact on fisheries is also necessary for long-term sectoral development.

Previous Year Questions on Fisheries

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following is the largest contributor to India’s fish production?

A) Inland waters
B) Marine waters
C) Aquaculture
D) Reservoirs

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Marine waters contribute the most to India’s fish production due to the country’s extensive coastline and exclusive economic zone.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Analyze the importance of the fisheries sector in ensuring food security and economic development in India."

Answer: The fisheries sector in India is critical for food security, providing affordable and nutritious food to millions. It supports the livelihoods of over 28 million people and is a significant source of income for rural and coastal communities. Moreover, the sector plays an essential role in the economy, with India being a major exporter of fish products. The government's focus on sustainable aquaculture practices, along with investment in infrastructure and technology, will further enhance the sector's contribution to India’s overall economic growth.