India Faces Growing Risks from Global Overfishing and Fish Stock Collapse

A major environmental and economic issue has arisen from overfishing: the reduction of world fish stocks. For Indiahome to over 14 million people reliant on fisheries, this disaster has far-reaching consequences. Indian coastal populations, biodiversity, and food security are under growing threat as worldwide marine resources are exploited to terrible degree. 

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Driven by industrial trawling, unlawful fishing techniques, and unsupervised high seas exploitation, overfishing is hastening the fall of world fish stocks. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), almost 35% of the world's fish stocks are being taken at levels that are biologically unsustainable. 

India is a victim of this trend as well as a contributor to it. The country has long depended on marine capture fisheries for economic support, job creation, and protein supply given its enormous exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and roughly 7,500 km coastline. But data from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) shows a significant drop in catch amounts of important species including Indian mackerel, sardines, and pomfrets—once the cornerstone of domestic seafood supply. 

Fish population collapse is quite socio-economic in addition to being ecological. Small-scale and artisanal fishers are the worst hit since industrial fishing fleetsoften with foreign investmentcontinue to deplete nearshore and offshore stocks. These groups deal with increasing conflict over maritime access, dwindling incomes, and food scarcity. 

Climate change complicates the problem. Warming marine temperatures, acidification, and habitat loss are changing fish migration patterns and breeding cycles. Indian Ocean species are increasingly moving further away from conventional fishing regions, thereby compelling fishermen to travel deeper into sea—often without the tools or infrastructure needed to do so securely. 

India's export-oriented fishing sector adds more strain. Especially for shrimp and tuna, high global demand drives intense fishing methods that disregard sustainable restrictions. Although the nation has approved international frameworks like the Port State Measures Agreement to fight illicit, unreported, and uncontrolled (IUU) fishing, enforcement is still erratic. 

One concern is the high seas, international waters beyond national jurisdiction, where lax government enables uncontrolled exploitation. While multinational fishing companies control high-yield offshore areas, Indian fishers who traditionally worked in nearshore waters are increasingly crowded out of these locations. 

Policy reactions have come from inside. The Draft National Fisheries Policy of India promotes ecosystem-based methods, sustainable fishing practices, and improved monitoring of catch data. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) also aims at raising fisheries output through subsidies, infrastructure development, and modernisation of fishing fleets. 

Critics contend, however, that these rules frequently emphasize production over conservation. Investing in export capacity and deep-sea fishing boats can inadvertently worsen pressure on already-stressed marine ecosystems if not accompanied by severe catch restrictions and ecological restoration projects. 

Solutions including satellite-based vessel tracking, blockchain traceability, and e-monitoring might help to enhance openness in fisheries management. In states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, community-led co-management models—where local fishers help in resource planning and enforcement—have shown promise. 

International partnership is really important. Because many fish populations cross boundaries, regional cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim nations is essential to avoid resource collapse. Under the United Nations Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty, which seeks to control marine resources on the open seas, India must play a major part in global negotiations. 

Conclusion:
India's susceptibility to the results of worldwide overfishing serves as a wake-up call for the rest of the world. The livelihoods of millions and the health of ocean ecosystems could suffer irreversible damage unless urgent, coordinated efforts are made to manage marine exploitation and give ecological sustainability first priority. Balance of development objectives with conservation is no longer optional; it is a need.

Source: Outlook Business