India’s marine fish production has reached 44.95 lakh tonnes in 2023–24, showcasing a significant increase from 34.76 lakh tonnes in 2020–21. This growth is attributed to sustainable practices and climate-resilient strategies implemented under PMMSY and NICRA.
Growth Trends in Marine Fish Production
The marine fish output in India has shown a steady and sustainable growth trend over the years:
- 2020–21: 34.76 lakh tonnes
- 2023–24: 44.95 lakh tonnes
- Growth Rate: 8.9% annually
This increase is a result of concerted efforts in research, infrastructure development, and government policies aimed at enhancing productivity while preserving the marine ecosystem.
Stock Assessment and Sustainability Status
Findings from ICAR-CMFRI reveal:
- 91.1%: of 135 marine fish stocks assessed were biologically sustainable in 2022.
This high sustainability rate signifies the effectiveness of regulations and scientific management practices in Indian marine fisheries.
Climate Resilience through Scientific Research
Initiatives under NICRA include research efforts in various states like Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Kerala, focusing on:
- Climate trend analysis of river basins
- Fish species distribution shifts
- Catch composition and yield studies
PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – Key Climate Strategy
PMMSY plays a pivotal role in marine sector reforms, emphasizing climate change adaptation through:
- Artificial reefs and sea ranching for ecological restoration
- Development of 100 climate-resilient coastal fishing villages with an investment of ₹2 crore per village
Infrastructure Projects Under PMMSY
PMMSY also focuses on enhancing infrastructure with projects including:
- 58 fishing harbours and landing centres with an outlay of ₹3,281.31 crore
- Cold storage, retail and wholesale fish markets, and value addition units
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- India’s marine fish production in 2023–24 reached 44.95 lakh tonnes, showing a growth rate of 8.9% annually.
- ICAR-CMFRI found 91.1% of marine fish stocks to be biologically sustainable in 2022.
- NICRA initiatives focus on climate-resilient research in multiple states.
- PMMSY emphasizes climate strategies like artificial reefs and coastal village development.
