Union Minister Advocates Research and Investment for Advancing Deep-Sea Fishing in India

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, L Murugan, has underscored the crucial role of research and design in upgrading fishing vessels to unlock the potential of sustainable deep-sea fishing. Speaking at the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 in Ahmedabad, Murugan highlighted the global demand for tuna fish and India’s capacity to increase its tuna fishing, emphasizing the need for technological advancements.

To support traditional fishermen in this endeavor, the government is offering up to 60% financial assistance for converting vessels into deep-sea fishing boats, coupled with loan facilities. Murugan stressed the importance of modern fishing vessels equipped with in-built processing facilities to meet international quality standards for deep-sea fishing. Recognizing the current limitations of traditional fishermen, he assured the government’s commitment to bridging this gap.

During another session, Simon Feunge-Smith, a senior fishery officer at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN, highlighted a 37% increase in per capita fish consumption worldwide over the last 25 years. He called for enhanced blue finance to address critical threats posed by climate change and rising food demand, citing Asia’s contribution of 89% to global aquaculture production.

Deep-sea fishing, conducted beyond the territorial waters and within the exclusive economic zone, presents a significant opportunity. World Bank consultant Arthur Neiland emphasized the untapped potential of yellowfin and skipjack tunas in India’s exclusive economic zone, with a harvest estimate of 179,000 tonnes, yet only 12% utilization.

Neiland stressed the necessity for public and private sector investment in deep-sea fishing, envisioning economic, social, and environmental benefits. As India aims to bolster its position in the global fishing landscape, the call for research, technological innovation, and strategic investments becomes paramount in ensuring sustainable and lucrative deep-sea fishing practices.