Syllabus: GS-III Subject: Environment, Topic: Biodiversity and its conservation, Issue: Unregulated overfishing, especially juvenile catch, is threatening India’s marine biodiversity.
Context
India’s marine fisheries sector has peaked at 4 million tonnes annually, but overexploitation, habitat degradation, and inequitable access are causing ecological harm and economic distress. With 90% of fishers catching only 10% of the fish, and 75% living below the poverty line, the sector is at a sustainability and justice crossroads.
Key Developments
- Overfishing driven by trawlers targeting juvenile fish, high bycatch rates, and cross-border fish laundering.
- Lack of uniform Minimum Legal Size (MLS) and fragmented state-wise regulation under the Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (MFRA).
- Unsustainable practices are eroding biodiversity, fish stocks, and the livelihoods of traditional marine communities.
Critical Reflections
- Inequity in Harvest: Mechanised fleets dominate catch, leaving artisanal fishers marginalised and heavily indebted.
- Juvenile Depletion = Long-Term Collapse: Catching sub-legal size fish leads to stock crashes, hurting both economy and ecology.
- Weak Enforcement: Loopholes in MFRA and poor cross-state coordination encourage unregulated practices.
- Need for Policy Shift: Only ecosystem-based, rights-anchored fisheries management can reverse biodiversity loss.
Implications for Environment & Governance:
| Dimension | Implication |
| Ecological Sustainability | Overfishing endangers marine biodiversity, coral health, and long-term viability of commercial fish species. |
| Livelihoods & Equity | Small-scale fishers suffer disproportionately despite their sustainable methods and cultural stewardship. |
| Regulatory Reform | Integration of state-level MFRAs and national-level science-based quotas is essential. |
| Consumer Responsibility | Public must support sustainability by demanding local, seasonal, small-sized seafood over high-value exports. |
Conclusion:
India’s marine wealth is not limitless. As climate, market, and ecological pressures mount, letting overfishing continue will only deepen poverty, erode marine biodiversity, and worsen economic inequality. The path forward lies in science-based quotas, regional cooperation, and community empowerment—making sustainability the anchor of both policy and practice.
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