Parliament Question: Sustainable Fisheries Management

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2587 ANSWERED ON 04/08/2026 SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT 2587. THIRU D M KATHIR ANAND: Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has taken note of reports that the country's fisheries sector is facing mounting challenges due to declining marine fish stocks, overfishing, climate change, habitat degradation, marine pollution, destructive fishing practices, rising operational costs and increasing livelihood insecurity among traditional fishing communities despite the sector's significant contribution to food security, exports and employment; (b) the assessment of the Government regarding principal factors responsible for the present situation; (c) the action taken by the Government to strengthen scientific fisheries management, fish stock assessment, habitat restoration, marine conservation and regulation of fishing effort; (d) whether additional support is proposed by the Government for small-scale fishermen through climate- resilient infrastructure, insurance, alternative livelihoods, modern fishing technologies and value-chain development; and (e) if so, the target fixed by the Government to ensure sustainable fisheries and improve fishermen's incomes during the next five years? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH) (a) and (b): As per the Marine Fish Stock Status of India (2022) published by the ICAR‑Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR‑CMFRI), the marine fish stocks in Indian waters remain in good health, with 91.1% of the 135 fish stocks assessed across different regions of the Indian EEZ found to be at sustainable levels. Analysis of India’s marine fish landings for 2014–2023, based on ICAR‑CMFRI’s statistically validated scientific sampling programme and average annual growth trends, indicates an overall stable trajectory with a marginal increase, with no evidence of sustained decline in marine fish production. ICAR has further informed that ICAR‑CMFRI undertakes continuous monitoring of fish landings and conducts focused research on the biological performance of major commercial and ecologically important resources through its research centres and field stations across coastal States/UTs.The Institute also monitors coastal ecosystem health through real‑time surveys. The Fishery Survey of India (FSI) similarly monitors the status of marine fishery resources through systematic exploratory surveys in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), generating baseline data on the distribution, abundance, and biological characteristics of demersal and oceanic fish stocks to support assessments of impacts arising from fishing pressure, climate variability, marine pollution, and habitat degradation. The available scientific evidence from the studies by these Institutions indicates that, although, environmental stressors such as increased sea surface temperature have been observed to influence the distribution, abundance, and seasonal availability of certain fish species, no direct and conclusive impact on overall marine fish production has been established solely due to climate change, marine pollution, coastal erosion, or pollution of inland water bodies. (c) to (e): The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has undertaken comprehensive measures to strengthen scientific fisheries management, marine conservation, and the welfare of small-scale fishers. Since 2015, the Government has significantly enhanced investment in the sector, allocating ₹39,272 crore through flagship initiatives such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM MKSSY). To sustainably harness fisheries resources in the EEZ, regulate fishing effort, and safeguard marine biodiversity, the Government has notified the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025 on 4 November 2025. This landmark framework adopts an ecosystem approach and mandates key conservation measures, including uniform ban on fishing during fish breeding seasons; enforcement of minimum legal size for fish capture and adoption of bycatch reduction measures; strict prohibition of destructive and juvenile fishing practices; promotion of best practices to minimize post-harvest losses. Under the PMMSY, targeted interventions are implemented to rejuvenate fish stocks and restore marine habitats, including extensive sea ranching programmes, installation of artificial reefs, and deployment of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets to protect sea turtles. To ensure sustainable fisheries and enable small scale fishers to significantly enhance incomes, the Schemes of the Department prioritises livelihood diversification and reduction of fishing pressure on overexploited inshore waters. Core measures include promoting open sea cage culture, seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries, and induction of modern deep sea fishing vessels. Complementary efforts focus on upgrading fisheries infrastructure, climate resilient fishing villages, modern harbours, landing centres, cold chain and market linked facilities, providing safety nets such as group accident insurance for traditional fishers, and strengthening Fisheries Cooperative Societies and FFPOs to expand operations, access deep sea resources, and enhance processing and export capabilities. *****