Rising Temperatures: How Climate Change is Impacting India’s Fisheries Sector

Mumbai: The year 2024 has made headlines as the hottest year recorded. This raises important questions about how global warming will impact India’s fisheries. With the sector valued at thousands of crores, what challenges do fishers and fishworkers face as climate change takes its toll?

Research indicates that several fish varieties might dwindle in the coming years. Areas of the country vary in their vulnerability to these shifts. To sustain marine ecosystems and fisheries, we need to consider current trends and future impacts of climate change.

India stands as the second-largest fish-producing country, contributing about 8% to global fish supply. With a coastline stretching 8,118 km and diverse aquatic resources, the potential for fish production reaches around 22.31 million tonnes. From 2013-14 to 2022-23, fish production surged from 9.6 million tonnes to 17.5 million tonnes, marking a remarkable 9% annual growth—higher than many other agricultural sectors.

The coastal landscape is dotted with 3,288 marine fishing villages and 1,511 fish landing centers, supporting around 4 million fishers. Interestingly, the growth in fish production aligns with various government initiatives aimed at enhancing the sector. Programs like the Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana aim to promote sustainable practices and provide financial support to fishers.

So, how exactly does climate change disrupt fisheries? Rising ocean temperatures lead to changes in fish distribution. As waters warm, certain species may migrate to cooler areas, complicating fishing efforts. For instance, the Indian mackerel, a significant catch, is moving to deeper waters, impacting local economies and food security. A study projecting future fish stocks reveals that catches of Indian mackerel could decline significantly by the year 2100 based on current climate trends.

Rising temperatures are affecting spawning patterns as well. Fish species like threadfin bream are altering their breeding times in response to warmer waters, which could affect future harvests. Additionally, various species, including oil sardines and Bombay ducks, exhibit varying levels of vulnerability to climate impacts, indicating a complex web of challenges that need addressing.

Grinson George, director of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, notes that while much of India’s fish stock is still healthy, climate change is altering marine ecosystems. Some fish species once popular are fading, while others rise in prominence. This transformation reflects the broader shifts occurring in our oceans.

It’s not just the fish and the ecosystems under threat; the livelihoods of millions of fishers hang in the balance. Increased cyclones, marine heatwaves, and rising sea levels are all factors compounding the challenges fishers face. Olencio Simoes, secretary of the National Fishworkers’ Forum, highlights the urgent need for protective measures. He argues for a Fisheries Rights Act to safeguard the rights of fishers and ensure sustainable resources.

To address these pressing issues, improving fisheries management is crucial. Effective management can mitigate many negative effects of climate change. Key strategies include:

• Protecting and restoring vital marine ecosystems: Healthy ecosystems provide nourishment and breeding grounds for fish while shielding coastal communities from extreme weather events.

The path forward is clear: to secure India’s fisheries against climate change, a proactive and inclusive management approach is essential. Strong actions today can help nurture both marine life and fishing communities for generations to come.

For more insights on this topic, see the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute for further research on fisheries and climate change impacts.

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