Why in the news?

  • The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying recently released draft rules and guidelines to enable “sustainable” fishing in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas.

Indian Fisheries Sector

  • What is it?
    • The sector is diverse, encompassing marine, inland, and aquaculture activities, and India is one of the largest producers of fish and seafood in the world.
    • As of recent estimates, India accounts for about 7% of global fish production, and its fisheries sector employs millions of people, directly and indirectly.
  • Importance of India’s Fisheries Sector
    • Economic Contribution: Fisheries contribute around 1.1-1.3% to India’s GDP, with the sector also making up a significant portion of the nation’s agricultural GDP.
    • Employment: The sector employs more than 14 million people, with the majority being in coastal and rural areas.
    • Exports: India is one of the largest exporters of seafood globally, with products like shrimp, fish, and shellfish being major export items, contributing substantially to foreign exchange earnings.
    • Food Security: Fisheries provide essential protein to millions of Indians, especially in coastal regions, and contribute to the overall nutritional needs of the population.
  • Key Challenges in the Fisheries Sector
    • Overfishing: Overexploitation of marine resources has led to depletion of certain fish species and disrupted marine ecosystems.
    • Inadequate Infrastructure: Issues like lack of cold storage, processing facilities, and proper marketing channels hamper the sector’s growth.
    • Sustainability Concerns: There’s a growing need for sustainable fishing practices and conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
    • Fishermen Welfare: Many small-scale and traditional fishermen face difficulties in terms of financial access, skill development, and market access.
  • Government Schemes for the Fisheries Sector
    • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
      • Launched in 2020, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
      • Aims – To increase fish production, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable practices in the sector.
    • Sagar Mithras
      • Aims to foster community resilience and long-term growth in the fisheries sector.
      • Supports fishermen, especially in coastal areas, through social security and skill development.
      • Provides financial assistance and access to welfare schemes like health and life insurance.
      • Promotes sustainable fishing practices and enhances financial inclusion.
      • Ensures socio-economic well-being of small-scale and traditional fishers.
    • Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs)
      • Serve as one-stop centers for fishers and fish farmers.
      • Services include:disease management, water quality testing and capacity-building programs.
      • Special focus on marginalized groups, including women, through 60% subsidy for setting up MSKs.
    • Blue Revolution (Neel Kranti Mission)
      • Aim – To harness the potential of the fisheries sector through the sustainable development of aquaculture and marine fisheries.
  • Role of Technology and Innovation: Several schemes also emphasize the role of technology in improving the efficiency and sustainability of the fisheries sector. These include:
    • Smart fishing techniques like GPS-enabled boats, satellite tracking for fish migration, and advanced aquaculture systems.
    • Water quality monitoring systems to optimize fish farming practices and improve yields.
    • Genetically improved fish strains to increase production in aquaculture.