Q.
India’s transition towards deep-sea fishing is often cited as a solution to overexploitation of coastal waters. However, neglecting the inshore marine ecology will render this transition futile. Critically analyze. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
July 7, 2026
GS Paper III
Core Demand of the Question
- India’s push towards deep-sea fishing.
- Consequences of neglecting inshore marine zones.
- Way Forward – Sustainable fisheries management.
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Answer
Introduction
India’s marine fisheries sector supports millions of livelihoods and contributes significantly to food security. While the government promotes deep-sea fishing to relieve pressure on coastal stocks, neglecting the inshore benthic ecology undermines long-term sustainability.
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Deep-Sea Fishing as a Policy Response
- Expansion of offshore resources : Encourages mechanised fishers to venture beyond the continental shelf. The Indian fleet’s movement into EEZ zones aims to reduce exploitation of inshore stocks.
Eg: Regulating offshore expansion under the newly notified Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025.
- Technological adoption : Deployment of larger trawlers and deep-sea vessels to tap distant waters.
Eg: Mechanised boats, advanced engines to travel further.
- Potential yield : FAO estimates suggest only marginal additional yield from deep-sea resources, highlighting limits.
Neglect of Inshore Marine Ecology
- Overfishing and habitat degradation: Inshore benthic zones suffer from trawling and mechanised fishing.
Eg: Palk Bay sees depletion of shrimp and local fish due to repeated trawler activity.
- Pollution and ecosystem stress: Industrial effluents, mangrove loss, and dam-runoff reduce coastal productivity.
- Conflict with small-scale fishers: Mechanised fleets outcompete traditional fishers, reducing their livelihoods.
Eg: Small-scale Tamil Nadu fishers report declining catches and forced migration offshore.
- Weak enforcement: Prohibitions like 5 NM inshore zones lack manpower and monitoring, leading to continuous ecological damage.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Inshore Governance : Increase patrols, empower local fisher cooperatives, and enforce spatial limits.
- Scientific Stock Assessments : Conduct regular in-situ stock surveys rather than relying solely on landing data.
- Sustainable Fishing Practices : Encourage gear restrictions, seasonal closures, and restoration of mangroves and coral reefs.
Eg : Enforcing the statutory bans under the 2025 Marine Fisheries Framework, which explicitly outlaws destructive methods like pair trawling, bull trawling, and LED-light attracting devices to protect vulnerable benthic ecosystems.
- Integrated Fisheries Policy : Align deep-sea expansion with inshore conservation and livelihoods of small-scale fishers.
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Conclusion
India’s deep-sea fishing ambitions will succeed only if inshore ecosystems are protected. Balancing offshore expansion with coastal conservation is essential for ecological sustainability, food security, and fisher livelihoods.
