NITI Aayog Releases Report on Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries in India

Report Title: “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries”

Launched by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog, and Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog.

Key Highlights:

• Global Position: India is the second-largest fish-producing country, contributing 8% of global production.
• Economic Impact: Fisheries sector supports nearly 30 million livelihoods; fishery exports earned ₹60,523 crore in FY 2023–24.
• Geographic Potential: India has a coastline of 11,098 km across 9 states and 4 UTs, and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million sq. km. Deep waters beyond the continental shelf remain largely unexploited, with an estimated yield potential of 7.16 million tonnes.

Key Recommendations:

1. Policy and Regulatory Overhaul: Streamline licensing, registration, and resource access; align with international norms.
2. Institutional Strengthening: Build capacity and governance for deep-sea fisheries management.
3. Fleet Modernization & Infrastructure: Promote cluster-based cooperative models and inclusive fleet development.
4. Sustainable Fisheries Management: Ensure ecological balance while boosting production.
5. Resource Mobilization & Financing: Encourage investment, convergence of central schemes, and funding mechanisms.
6. Stakeholder Participation: Enhance local community involvement and public-private partnerships.

Phased Roadmap:

• Phase 1 (2025–28): Lay the foundation and foster early growth.
• Phase 2 (2029–32): Scale up production and achieve global competitiveness.
• Phase 3 (2033 onwards): Achieve global leadership in sustainable deep-sea fisheries.

Expected Impact:

• Boost seafood exports and generate employment.
• Reduce pressure on coastal fisheries.
• Strengthen Blue Economy and make India a global leader in deep-sea fisheries.
• Promote social inclusivity, technological adoption, and ecological sustainability.