Light Fishing

Source: DTE

Context: Despite being banned in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) since 2017, light fishing continues unchecked, damaging marine biodiversity.

• Centre has banned light fishing in all coastal states in 2017.

About Light Fishing:

• What is Light Fishing?

• A fishing method using high-intensity artificial lights (often powered by generators) to attract fish to the water surface during night operations. Predominantly used by mechanised trawlers, especially for catching squid, sardines, and juvenile fish. LED light fishing usually takes place between December and February, a season which sees meagre catches.

• A fishing method using high-intensity artificial lights (often powered by generators) to attract fish to the water surface during night operations.

• Predominantly used by mechanised trawlers, especially for catching squid, sardines, and juvenile fish.

• LED light fishing usually takes place between December and February, a season which sees meagre catches.

• How It Works:

• LED or halogen lights are suspended over the water or placed underwater. The bright light disturbs the fish’s natural orientation and attracts entire shoals. Fish, including juveniles, are easily netted, increasing bycatch and unsustainable harvest.

• LED or halogen lights are suspended over the water or placed underwater.

• The bright light disturbs the fish’s natural orientation and attracts entire shoals.

• Fish, including juveniles, are easily netted, increasing bycatch and unsustainable harvest.

• Impacts on the Marine Ecosystem:

• Juvenile Fish Depletion: Removes immature fish before reproduction, reducing future fish populations. Biodiversity Loss: Attracts non-target species, disturbing the marine food web. Spawning Disruption: Artificial lights interfere with natural spawning cycles. International Trade Risks: Overfishing can impact seafood exports, especially to the EU and Japan.

• Juvenile Fish Depletion: Removes immature fish before reproduction, reducing future fish populations.

• Biodiversity Loss: Attracts non-target species, disturbing the marine food web.

• Spawning Disruption: Artificial lights interfere with natural spawning cycles.

• International Trade Risks: Overfishing can impact seafood exports, especially to the EU and Japan.