India Expands Fisheries Sector with Focus on Deep-Sea Fishing

India has launched a set of reforms aimed at strengthening its fisheries sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently chaired a meeting with key stakeholders in the industry to discuss plans to focus more on deep-sea fishing and increase seafood exports.

“We attach great importance to this area and have worked extensively to improve infrastructure and ensure greater access to credit and markets for our fishermen,” said Modi.

Surge in Fish Production

Government data reveals that India’s fish production has surged by 82 percent in the last decade, reaching 17.4 million tons in 2022-23 from 9.5 million tons in 2013-2014. This growth has propelled India to become the third-largest fish producer globally, with aquaculture leading the way.

Venturing into Krill Fishing

With a new emphasis on deep-sea fishing, India is now planning to venture into commercial krill fishing in the Antarctic Ocean. Two Mumbai-based fishing firms are reportedly gearing up to launch krill harvesting operations. Krill, a crucial part of the Southern Ocean’s ecosystem, is a tiny crustacean that serves as the base of the food chain.

According to a report by the Times of India, the firms are considering starting krill fishing this summer in the Antarctic region. India, as a member of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), holds fishing rights in the Southern Ocean. While India currently imports krill oil from Norway for aquaculture feed, the move towards commercial krill fishing signifies a new chapter in India’s fisheries sector.

Concerns and Conservation

Commercial krill fishing has been on the rise globally, with countries like Norway and China leading the harvest. However, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of krill stocks. CCAMLR has set a fishing limit of 620,000 metric tons per year, with some experts warning that catches are approaching this threshold.

Furthermore, the debate over the creation of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Antarctica continues, with some CCAMLR members, including China and Russia, opposing such initiatives. The push for MPAs aims to safeguard biodiversity in the region.

India’s foray into krill fishing marks a significant step towards diversifying its fisheries sector and tapping into new opportunities. As the sector continues to evolve, sustainable practices and conservation efforts will be crucial to ensure the long-term viability of marine resources.