Assistant to Fishermen

Published on 25-Mar-2025 06:45 PM

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The Rise of Fish in India’s Coastal Ecosystem: Challenges and Solutions

In a recent episode of reality TV, the fisherman on the East Coast was revealed to have been fishing for 61 days without pay due to a uniform ban by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. This ban is part of a broader effort to protect marine resources while ensuring traditional fishers receive the necessary support. In this blog, we explore how this challenge has been addressed in India and how it shapes the future of our seafood industry.

The Fishing Ban: Its Purpose and Exemptions

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, administers a 61-day fishing ban beyond territorial waters on both the East Coast (April–June) and West Coast (January–July). However, traditional non-motorized units are exempted from this ban. Meanwhile, coastal states/UTs like Tamil Nadu, in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Marginalization and Nutrition Strategy (PMMSY), have implemented their own fishing bans within their territorial waters, supported by investment of over Rs 1059 crores.

The Support Mechanism: PMMSY

Under the PMMSY program, approximately 5.97 million fisher families in Tamil Nadu received livelihood and nutritional support during the ban/lean period from 2020-21 to 2023-24. This investment was crucial for supporting traditional fishers who would otherwise lose their livelihoods.

Export Statistics: Shaping India’s Fish Economy

Tamil Nadu’s exports reached over Rs 2,568 crores in the first three years of PMMSY. The country is a key exporter of seafood to Southeast Asia, highlighting its growing importance in global markets. ** export figures from Tamil Nadu alone are worth over Rs 100 crore**, according to reports by the Department of Statistics, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Government Initiatives: Pushing Forward

The government has implemented several measures to enhance seafood exports:

Infrastructure Development: Projects include 372 kilometers of bridge and road projects, ensuring connectivity between coastal ports and inland cities.
Aquaculture Technologies: A new tech park in Khammam, Chitral, supports aquaculture with an initial investment of Rs 50 crore.
Marine Mammal Assessment (MMA): An MMA project involving 262 villages in Tamil Nadu will map the entire coastline, providing critical information for sustainable fishing practices.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The fishing ban is a tough challenge that has been overcome by traditional fishers and coastal states/UTs. However, it underscores the need for a more holistic approach to ensure sustainable seafood exports. By promoting LIVESTOCK SUPPORT, EXPERTS, and innovative technologies**, India can strengthen its marine economy and contribute to global sustainability.

As we navigate this industry, I encourage readers to engage with experts and stakeholders, participate in government initiatives, and support the measures being taken to protect our coastal resources. The future of India’s seafood is bright, and it will require persistence and collaboration.

source: Assistant to Fishermen

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