Overfishing — The Threat to Ocean Wealth

Syllabus: Environment

Source: TH

Context: On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, concerns over overfishing in India’s marine ecosystems have resurfaced, with experts highlighting threats to ocean biodiversity, small fisher livelihoods, and future food security.

About Overfishing — The Threat to Ocean Wealth:

What is Overfishing?

• Overfishing occurs when fish are harvested faster than they can naturally replenish, pushing populations beyond recovery.

• Global Concern: As per FAO, one-third of all global fish stocks are overexploited, with bycatch and illegal fishing amplifying the crisis.

• India’s Marine Context: Despite harvesting 3–4 million tonnes annually, 90% of India’s fishers (small-scale) catch only 10% of the output, with 75% living below the poverty line.

Causes of Overfishing:

• Overcapacity of Vessels: India’s mechanised fleets and trawlers overexploit resources—sometimes removing 10 kg of bycatch per 1 kg of shrimp.

• Destructive Fishing Gear: Small-mesh nets (<25 mm) allow juvenile fish into catch, hindering stock regeneration.

• Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Global illegal fishing nets up to $36.4 billion/year, undermining legal and sustainable efforts.

• Inconsistent Regulations: Each Indian coastal state has its own Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, enabling regulatory evasion.

• Harmful Subsidies: Subsidised fuel and trawler infrastructure incentivise overfishing even in unprofitable conditions.

Impacts of Overfishing:

• On Marine Ecosystems:

• Biodiversity Loss: Trawling destroys reef habitats and food chains (e.g., sardine and mackerel stocks have plummeted). Species Extinction: Overfishing endangers sharks, rays, and turtles, one-third are at risk of extinction.

• Biodiversity Loss: Trawling destroys reef habitats and food chains (e.g., sardine and mackerel stocks have plummeted).

• Species Extinction: Overfishing endangers sharks, rays, and turtles, one-third are at risk of extinction.

• On Human Livelihoods:

• Economic Insecurity: Small-scale fishers bear high fuel debts with low returns FMFO (fish-meal/oil) industry worsens this imbalance. Food Security: Millions in coastal areas rely on fish protein. Depleting stocks threaten nutrition and jobs.

• Economic Insecurity: Small-scale fishers bear high fuel debts with low returns FMFO (fish-meal/oil) industry worsens this imbalance.

• Food Security: Millions in coastal areas rely on fish protein. Depleting stocks threaten nutrition and jobs.

• Environmental Degradation:

• Dead Zones & Imbalances: Bycatch discards and overexploitation destabilise marine food webs and lead to ecological collapses (e.g., Canada’s cod crash, 1992).

Solutions to Overfishing:

• Quota Management System (QMS): Adapt New Zealand’s model for India’s trawl fleet. Link catch limits to scientific stock assessments.

• Minimum Legal Size (MLS) Enforcement: Kerala’s MLS for threadfin bream improved catches by 41% in one season.

• Harmonised National Framework: Uniform fishing laws across states — gear rules, closed seasons, MLS — are critical.

• FMFO Regulation: Cap quotas, redirect bycatch for domestic aquaculture, and mandate onboard juvenile release.

• Community Co-Management: Empower fisher cooperatives to manage Marine Protected Areas and local sanctuaries.

• Consumer Awareness & Incentives: Promote sustainable seafood and reject illegally sized fish to curb market demand.

Conclusion:

Unchecked overfishing threatens marine biodiversity, coastal economies, and food security. India must embrace science-based quotas, uniform regulations, and community-driven stewardship to ensure sustainable oceans. Action today will safeguard ocean wealth for tomorrow’s generations.

• WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. (UPSC-2014)