Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Fisheries; Ecosystem; Marine life

Introduction

The fisheries sector in India is divided into two distinct sub-sectors - inland fisheries and marine fisheries. Inland fisheries account for approximately 60% of the total fish production in the country, and the remaining 40% is from marine fisheries. India has a large number of rivers, canals, lakes, and other water bodies, making it a fertile ground for inland fisheries. In contrast, marine fisheries are concentrated along the coasts of the country [1, 2].

Methods

The fisheries sector in India is one of the largest in the world and is a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India is the second-largest fishproducing country in the world, with a total fish production of 14.6 million tonnes in 2020. The sector also provides employment to over 16 million people, both directly and indirectly.

Inland fisheries

Inland fisheries in India are primarily focused on freshwater fish, and the country has a rich variety of fish species. Carp, catfish, murrel, snakehead, and tilapia are some of the popular freshwater fish species. Inland fisheries are mainly concentrated in the states of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and there are also significant inland fisheries in the Northeastern region of the country.

In recent years, there has been a significant focus on the development of aquaculture in India, which has boosted the production of fish in the country. The Indian government has implemented several schemes and programs to promote inland fisheries, such as the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

Marine fisheries

Marine fisheries in India are spread along the country’s coasts and are primarily focused on commercial fishing. India has a rich diversity of marine fish species, such as sardines, mackerel, tuna, prawns, and crabs. The country’s major marine fishing ports are located in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal [3, 4].

The marine fisheries sector in India has been facing several challenges in recent years, such as overfishing, climate change, and marine pollution. Overfishing is a significant problem in the sector, with several fish stocks being depleted due to overfishing. The Indian government has implemented several measures to combat overfishing, such as implementing fishing bans during the spawning season and promoting the use of sustainable fishing methods [5, 6].

The government has also taken several steps to combat marine pollution, such as the implementation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification, which regulates activities along the country’s coastline. The Indian government has also signed several international agreements and protocols to promote sustainable fisheries, such as the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the FAO’s Port State Measures Agreement [7, 8].

Discussion

The fisheries sector in India faces several challenges, such as climate change, overfishing, and marine pollution. Climate change is a significant threat to the fisheries sector, as it can lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of fish species. Overfishing and marine pollution are also significant challenges that can lead to the depletion of fish stocks and harm the marine ecosystem [9].

Conclusion

However, the fisheries sector in India also presents several opportunities for growth and development. The sector has the potential to provide more employment opportunities, increase the country’s GDP [10].

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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