The Government of India is stepping up efforts to ensure long-term health of its marine fisheries through science-based regulations, habitat restoration, and direct support for traditional fishing communities, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) informed the Rajya Sabha.
According to the latest Marine Fish Stock Status (MFSS) Report 2022 from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), a reassuring 91.1% of India’s marine fish stocks remain in healthy condition. To keep it that way, the government is enforcing key protective measures.
CMFRI advisories have guided several coastal states—including Kerala and Maharashtra—to adopt Minimum Legal Sizes (MLS) for important commercial species like pomfret. These rules prevent the catching of juvenile fish, giving populations time to mature and reproduce sustainably. Many states have embedded these norms into their Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs).
To safeguard the livelihoods of small-scale and artisanal fishers, certain coastal zones are reserved exclusively for traditional, non-mechanized, and small motorized vessels. In some areas, mechanized trawling is banned in these zones to prevent over-competition and reduce pressure on near-shore ecosystems.
Nationwide, destructive practices such as bull/pair trawling and the use of LED lights for fishing are strictly prohibited across India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), helping preserve marine biodiversity and long-term fish stocks.
During the annual fishing ban periods—when fishing is restricted to allow stock regeneration—the government provides crucial financial relief under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Eligible traditional fisher families from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds receive Rs 3,000 per year (with a small Rs 1,500 contribution from beneficiaries), disbursed over the three-month closure to help tide over the lean season.
The scheme is also funding the deployment of artificial reefs along vulnerable coastal stretches. These man-made structures create new habitats, boost fish aggregation, and enhance the overall resilience of marine ecosystems.
Taken together, these measures reflect a balanced national strategy: protecting fish stocks for the future while supporting the millions of families who depend on the sea for their daily bread. Officials say the focus remains on science-driven management and inclusive policies to keep India’s rich marine resources thriving for generations.