Why in News
NITI Aayog released “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries” — a phased framework to develop the country’s underutilised deep-sea and offshore fishing sector. The report was launched by Prof. Ramesh Chand (NITI Aayog Member) and B.V.R. Subrahmanyam (NITI Aayog CEO), with a roadmap stretching to 2033 and beyond.
Key Statistics — India’s Fisheries Sector
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Global rank | 2nd largest fish producer (after China) |
| Share of global fish production | ~8% |
| Livelihoods supported | ~30 million |
| Coastline | 11,099 km |
| Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) | 24 lakh sq km (2.4 million sq km) |
| Seafood exports (FY 2024-25) | Rs 62,408 crore |
| Union Budget 2026-27 fisheries allocation | Rs 2,761.80 crore |
| Continental shelf area | ~5.3 lakh sq km |
India’s fisheries sector contributes ~1.1% of GDP and ~5% of agricultural GDP — but has been historically focused on inland and coastal fishing, leaving deep-sea and offshore zones largely untapped.
The Three-Phase Strategy
Phase 1 (2025-28) — Foundation Building
- Mapping deep-sea fish stocks via scientific surveys
- Building fishing vessel capacity for deep-sea operations
- Training fisherfolk in offshore navigation and safety
- Strengthening cold chain and processing infrastructure
- Pilot offshore fisheries projects in select EEZ zones
Phase 2 (2029-32) — Scale-up
- Commercial deployment of deep-sea fishing fleets
- Joint ventures with experienced international operators (Norway, Japan)
- Expansion of seafood processing exports
- Aquaculture for high-value species (tuna, shrimp)
- Ports specialised for offshore fishing fleets
Phase 3 (2033 onwards) — Maturity
- Full utilisation of EEZ and continental shelf resources
- Indian fishing fleets in international waters (under UNCLOS rules)
- Aquaculture as a major contributor (vs wild catch)
- Climate-resilient fisheries management
- Blue economy as a major employment and export sector
Why Deep-Sea Fishing Matters
1. Untapped Potential
India’s 24 lakh sq km EEZ is nearly 3x larger than its land area — yet most fishing happens within 12 nautical miles of the coast. Deep-sea fishing extends operations to the entire EEZ (200 nautical miles).
2. Higher-Value Species
Deep-sea waters host high-value species — tuna, billfish, deep-sea shrimp, lobster — that command premium prices in international markets.
3. Reducing Coastal Pressure
Coastal fish stocks are increasingly overfished. Shifting to deep-sea operations relieves pressure on coastal ecosystems and fishing communities.
4. Export Earnings
Seafood is one of India’s largest agri-export categories (Rs 62,408 crore in FY24-25). Expanding deep-sea catch can significantly boost exports.
What is Blue Economy?
The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health. Components include:
| Sector | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fisheries & aquaculture | Wild catch, aquaculture, processing |
| Marine biotechnology | Pharma, cosmetics, food |
| Offshore oil & gas | Hydrocarbons, deep-sea mining |
| Shipping & ports | Trade logistics |
| Coastal tourism | Beaches, marine adventure |
| Marine renewable energy | Tidal, wave, offshore wind |
| Marine biodiversity | Conservation, research |
India’s Blue Economy potential is estimated at $1 trillion by 2030 (NITI Aayog estimate).
Institutional Architecture
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying | Apex policy ministry |
| Department of Fisheries | Direct programme implementation |
| Fishery Survey of India (FSI), Mumbai | Scientific surveys and resource assessment |
| Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi | Marine fisheries research |
| Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) | Seafood exports promotion |
| National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) | Funding and capacity building |
| CMLRE (Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology), Kochi | Deep-sea biodiversity research |
PMMSY — Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
The current flagship fisheries scheme:
- Launched: 2020
- Total outlay: Rs 20,050 crore over 5 years
- Aim: Boost fish production to 22 million tonnes by 2024-25 (achieved)
- Components: infrastructure, fishing vessel modernisation, post-harvest management
- Successor scheme: PMMSY 2.0 (under design)
PMMSY laid the foundation; the new Blue Economy strategy extends it specifically to deep-sea and offshore fisheries.
Challenges
| Challenge | Issue |
|---|---|
| Vessel capability | India’s fishing fleet is dominated by small mechanised boats (<20 m); deep-sea fishing requires larger vessels (20-50 m) |
| Skill gap | Indian fisherfolk traditionally fish coastal waters; deep-sea operations need new training |
| Capital intensity | Deep-sea vessels cost Rs 10-15 crore each; financing is a barrier |
| Climate change | Ocean warming and acidification disrupt fish stocks |
| International disputes | EEZ boundaries with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan create geopolitical risk |
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 3 — Economy, Environment
- Blue Economy: concept, components, India’s potential
- Fisheries sector: production, exports, employment
- PMMSY scheme and its successor
- EEZ, UNCLOS, deep-sea fishing rights
- NITI Aayog’s role in policy formulation
GS Paper 2 — International Relations
- IOR (Indian Ocean Region) maritime cooperation
- SAGAR doctrine
- India’s engagement with regional fishing rights disputes
Prelims Fast Facts:
- India’s rank in fish production: 2nd globally (8% of global output)
- Coastline: 11,099 km
- EEZ: 24 lakh sq km
- Seafood exports (FY24-25): Rs 62,408 crore
- PMMSY launched: 2020, outlay Rs 20,050 crore
- NITI Aayog Blue Economy strategy: 3 phases (2025-28, 2029-32, 2033+)
- Apex ministry: Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
- CMFRI HQ: Kochi
Facts Corner
- India’s fisheries sector grew from 7.48 million tonnes (2005-06) to ~17.5 million tonnes (2024-25) — a 2.3x increase in two decades, making it one of the fastest-growing food sectors.
- Marine fisheries account for ~37% of India’s fish production; the rest (~63%) is from inland aquaculture (rivers, lakes, ponds, brackish water) — India is the world’s largest inland aquaculture producer.
- Andhra Pradesh is India’s largest fish-producing state, contributing ~25% of total production — driven by intensive aquaculture in coastal districts.
- The Sagarmala Programme complements the Blue Economy strategy by developing port infrastructure and coastal economic zones — both fall under the broader maritime development umbrella.
- Tuna is the most valuable fish in international markets — India’s tuna catch is currently very small compared to the potential in its EEZ. Deep-sea fishing would unlock this segment.
- India is a member of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the international body that manages tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean.
