A recent scientific study by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) has revealed that the marine fish stocks in Indian waters are in a healthy state. The study evaluated 135 fish stocks across different regions and found that 91.1% are sustainable.
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI) is actively working towards enhancing the fisheries sector under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This initiative provides financial assistance to fishers, focusing on socio-economic and nutritional support for underprivileged fishers. Additionally, the PMMSY offers Group Accident Insurance Scheme coverage
Financial aid under PMMSY also extends to traditional fishers, enabling them to acquire deep-sea fishing vessels, upgrade existing vessels for export purposes, and procure boats and nets for improved catch efficiency. The program ensures the safety of fishermen at sea through the provision of communication and tracking devices and safety kits. To enhance value realization for fishers, PMMSY supports the development of post-harvest and cold chain facilities, fish transport, fisheries infrastructure such as fish markets, and value-added enterprise units.
The DoF, GoI is committed to the conservation and sustainable development of marine fisheries resources. Efforts include the establishment of artificial reefs, sea ranching, and the implementation of a uniform 61-day fishing ban during the monsoon breeding season within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Furthermore, bans on pair or bull trawling and the use of LED or artificial light in fishing within the EEZ are enforced.
Advisories are issued to States and UTs to prevent juvenile fishing through mesh size regulations and the implementation of minimum legal sizes for fish under their Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs), promoting sustainable and responsible fishing practices.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, shared this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on July 31st.