India's fisheries sector is increasingly gaining strategic attention due to its significance in rural livelihoods, exports, and economic development. On May 15, 2025, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi chaired a key meeting aimed at reviewing the current progress and future plans in the fisheries sector. The discussion primarily revolved around strengthening deep-sea fishing activities and increasing seafood exports, while ensuring sustainability and technology adoption in marine operations.

Deep-Sea Fishing and Export Emphasis

India boasts a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million square kilometres, offering immense marine resources. Within this territory, an estimated 5.31 million tonnes of marine potential remains largely untapped. Recognising this opportunity, the government is focusing on deep-sea fishing — an area that can substantially increase catch yield, reduce pressure on nearshore resources, and open new international trade avenues.

Seafood exports play a crucial role in India’s economy. Coastal states and Union Territories, comprising 3,477 fishing villages, are responsible for 72% of the country’s total fish production and 76% of seafood exports. Strengthening this segment not only promises foreign exchange gains but also supports the livelihoods of millions involved in the sector — including fishers, processors, and traders.

Prime Minister's Vision for Fisheries

PM Modi has consistently highlighted the importance of aligning rural development with technological integration and sustainability. In the review meeting, he reinforced the need to support marginal fishers, enhance infrastructure, and ensure data-driven governance in the fisheries sector.

One of the centrepieces of the meeting was the review of programs that combine marine conservation with economic development. He also spoke about leveraging the private sector and state collaboration to unlock the full potential of India’s coastal economy.

Key Initiatives by the Ministry of Fisheries

Several schemes and operational protocols have been introduced to transform India's marine ecosystem management. Some of the major ones include:

• Marine Fisheries Census Operations: A nationwide initiative aimed at creating a comprehensive database of marine fisher households, vessels, and gear types. This helps with policy formulation, targeted subsidies, and infrastructure planning.

• Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Project: An important step towards marine conservation, TED allows sea turtles — an endangered species — to escape from fishing nets, thereby preventing accidental deaths while maintaining commercial efficiency.

• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Vessel Communication and Support System: Designed to improve maritime safety, this system ensures real-time tracking of fishing vessels, supports emergency alerts, and strengthens coastal surveillance. It promotes fisher safety, especially during unpredictable weather conditions.

These initiatives are a testament to the government's commitment to maintaining ecological balance, while ensuring economic viability in the fishing industry.

Infrastructure and Technological Upgrades

The government is also working towards modernising harbours, cold chain facilities, processing centres, and transport logistics. Through schemes like PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the central government is investing in state-of-the-art fish landing centres, encouraging value-added seafood processing, and facilitating export readiness across regions.

Digital tools and mobile applications for fisherfolk are being promoted to provide real-time weather forecasts, market prices, navigation routes, and safety protocols. These tools are empowering traditional communities with access to modern information systems.

Employment and Economic Impact

The fisheries sector in India is a major employment generator, especially in coastal and rural areas. By expanding deep-sea fishing and streamlining exports, the sector is expected to contribute to:

• Job creation in vessel manufacturing, marine engineering, seafood processing, and export logistics

• Higher income for marginal and artisanal fishers

• Inclusive growth by integrating remote coastal regions into mainstream economic frameworks

The Union Cabinet’s parallel decision to establish another semiconductor unit in Uttar Pradesh, under the India Semiconductor Mission, was also highlighted by the Prime Minister during the meeting. While it falls under a different sector, the emphasis on technology-driven growth, youth employment, and regional development reflects a comprehensive national strategy for industrialisation and self-reliance.

Sustainability and Global Standards

India is actively working to meet global sustainability benchmarks like the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and UN SDG 14 (Life Below Water). By integrating systems such as TED and communication-based vessel tracking, India is aligning with international best practices.

Additionally, fishery certification schemes are being promoted to help exporters meet standards required by European Union, United States, and Japan — thereby improving market access and unit price realisation.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite these advances, the sector faces challenges such as:

• Overfishing in inshore areas

• Pollution and habitat destruction

• Limited financial access for small-scale fishers

• Inadequate cold-chain penetration

To address these, the government plans to:

• Improve credit delivery and insurance coverage

• Build multi-species aquaculture parks

• Strengthen coastal zone management policies

• Encourage PPP models in fisheries infrastructure

The upcoming National Fisheries Policy is also expected to provide clearer guidelines and a cohesive framework for both marine and inland fisheries.

Conclusion

The meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi on May 15, 2025, reaffirms the central government’s commitment to strengthening India’s fisheries sector with a special focus on deep-sea fishing and expanding seafood exports. With targeted interventions, technological innovation, and a strong push for sustainability, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in fisheries.

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