Push for deep-sea fishing sparks concerns among small fishers

India's fishing strategy is undergoing a significant shift as the Union govt moves its focus from coastal waters which face severe pressure due to overfishing to high seas and the country's exclusive economic zone. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a framework for sustainable fishing in these waters, with special emphasis on developing fishing operations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep regions. This initiative aims to unlock the marine sector's untapped potential.
While India currently ranks second globally in fish production and aquaculture, with seafood exports valued at Rs 60,000 crore, coastal fishing faces severe pressure from overfishing, and marine fish production has remained stagnant for several years. The exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles (360 km) from the coastline, and the high seas beyond represent a promising frontier for expansion.
Dr Madhusoodhana Kurup, a veteran fisheries scientist, pointed out that the waters around Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep remain largely untapped. "Fishing in coastal areas faces high pressure due to overfishing, and that's why the Union govt wants to expand operations," he said, adding that there is an abundance of oceanic tuna in these waters, a species that commands high international market demand due to limited availability.
However, the fishing community has expressed serious concerns about these changes. Charles George, state president of the Kerala Fish Workers Union (TUCI), warned about increasing privatization in the fishing sector. He notes a striking disparity: While sustainable fishing would require only 97,000 vessels, approximately 315,000 are currently operating in India. George said this new policy aims to bring capital-intensive large players into what has traditionally been a small-scale sector, particularly in deep-sea areas.
Critics argue that the budget proposals prioritize production increases and privatization while failing to adequately consider the interests of traditional fishing communities, who represent a marginalized sector of society. These concerns have led to calls for protest against the proposed changes.