Resource information
This study represents a collaborative
initiative by the World Bank and the Department of Animal
Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Ministry of Agriculture,
Government of India, to review the marine fisheries
sub-sector, within a broader sector that also includes
aquaculture and inland fisheries. The policy note provides a
major step forward in understanding current issues and
future opportunities facing the marine fisheries sub-sector.
The marine fishing sub-sector accounts for approximately one
percent of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but forms
an important component of the rural coastal economy,
generating income, employment, livelihoods, and food
security for an estimated 3.52 million people along the
8,118 km Indian coastline, who depend on fishing for their
livelihoods. The study represents an initial analytical
review of the Indian marine sub-sector with special emphasis
on inshore waters, which faces the greatest challenges for
management and sustainable development. The main objectives
of the study were to: a) appraise the general structure,
conduct and performance of the marine fisheries sub-sector
in India with particular focus on the role that marine
fishery plays in rural livelihoods for coastal communities;
b) identify the main constraints in the marine sub-sector
that are impacting on biological sustainability and
economically healthy fisheries; c) draw on national and
international experience to recommend alternative policy
approaches and strategies to address these issues; and d)
inform the Government of India during subsequent
consultations with key stakeholders about long-term
transformations towards better sub-sector performance.
