Why in News
According to data released by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Tamil Nadu has surpassed Gujarat to become India’s largest marine fish producer in 2025. Tamil Nadu produced 6.85 lakh tonnes — up 1% — while Gujarat declined 15% to 6.43 lakh tonnes. India’s total marine fish production reached 35.7 lakh tonnes (up 3% from 34.6 lakh tonnes), with a retail market value of Rs 97,702 crore.
State-wise Marine Fish Production (2025)
| State | Production (lakh tonnes) | Change vs 2024 | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 6.85 | +1% | 1st |
| Gujarat | 6.43 | –15% | 2nd |
| Andhra Pradesh | ~5.2 | Stable | 3rd |
| Kerala | ~5.0 | Stable | 4th |
| Maharashtra | ~3.5 | Improving | 5th |
| Karnataka | ~1.8 | Stable | 6th |
(State-wise figures for AP, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka are approximate based on historical CMFRI data; Tamil Nadu and Gujarat figures are confirmed 2025 data)
Key Statistics — India Marine Fisheries 2025
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total marine fish production | 35.7 lakh tonnes |
| Growth rate | +3% (from 34.6 lakh tonnes in 2024) |
| Retail market value | Rs 97,702 crore |
| Top state | Tamil Nadu (6.85 lakh tonnes) |
| Top species | Indian mackerel — 0.27 million tonnes |
| India’s rank globally | ~3rd largest fish producing nation (after China, Peru/Indonesia) |
Why Gujarat Declined 15%
Gujarat’s marine fish catch fell significantly in 2025 due to:
- Extended ban period — Gujarat follows longer fishing ban periods in the Arabian Sea
- Cyclone impacts — Disruption to fishing activity in the Arabian Sea
- Overfishing pressure — Some species stocks under stress in Gujarat’s traditional fishing grounds
- Fleet migration — Some Gujarat vessels operating in other states’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)
About CMFRI
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute |
| Established | 1947 |
| Headquarters | Kochi, Kerala |
| Under | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture |
| Mandate | Research on marine fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity, marine ecosystems |
| Key publications | Marine Fish Landings (annual); Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture Status (biennial) |
| Notable records | Only agency with comprehensive marine fish landing data for all Indian coastal states |
India’s Fisheries Sector — Overview
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total fish production (marine + inland) | ~175 lakh tonnes (2024–25 approx.) |
| Inland vs marine split | ~60:40 (inland aquaculture dominates) |
| Fisheries’ share in GDP | ~1.1% |
| Share in agricultural GDP | ~6.5% |
| Exports (fish & fish products) | Rs 60,523 crore (2023–24) |
| Top export destination | USA, China, Southeast Asia |
| Top export species | Frozen shrimp (vannamei) |
| Fishermen population | ~28 million (direct livelihood) |
Key Schemes
| Scheme | Focus |
|---|---|
| Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) | Doubling fish production; 2020–25; Rs 20,050 crore |
| Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) | Fisheries infrastructure; Rs 7,522 crore corpus |
| Kisan Credit Card for fisheries | Working capital credit for fishermen |
| Blue Economy Policy | Overall maritime economy development |
India’s Coastline and Marine Resources
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| Coastline length | 7,516.6 km (mainland) |
| Total coastline (with islands) | ~11,100 km |
| Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) | 2.02 million sq km |
| Continental shelf | ~0.56 million sq km |
| Coastal states/UTs | 9 states + 4 UTs |
| Major fishing harbours | Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Mumbai, Mormugao |
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): The area extending 200 nautical miles from a country’s baseline over which it has sovereign rights for exploration and exploitation of marine resources. India’s EEZ is one of the largest in the world.
UPSC Relevance
| Paper | Angle |
|---|---|
| GS3 — Economy | Fisheries sector, Blue Economy, PMMSY, aquaculture |
| GS1 — Geography | Coastline, EEZ, marine resources, state-wise fishing |
| GS3 — Environment | Marine biodiversity, overfishing, sustainable fisheries |
Mains Keywords: CMFRI, marine fish production, Tamil Nadu top fish producer, Indian mackerel, PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana), Blue Economy, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), ICAR, inland vs marine fisheries, fish exports India
Prelims Facts Corner
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| India’s top marine fish producer (2025) | Tamil Nadu — 6.85 lakh tonnes |
| Gujarat rank | 2nd; 6.43 lakh tonnes (–15%) |
| India total marine production | 35.7 lakh tonnes (+3%) |
| Retail market value | Rs 97,702 crore |
| Top species | Indian mackerel — 0.27 million tonnes |
| CMFRI | Est. 1947; HQ Kochi; under ICAR |
| India’s EEZ | 2.02 million sq km |
| India’s coastline (mainland) | 7,516.6 km |
| PMMSY | Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana; 2020–25; Rs 20,050 crore |
