Blue Revolution: Promoting Inland Water Fishing in Reservoirs

During the year 2015-16 the marine fish production in India was 35.83 lakh tonnes as against the potential yield of 44.12 lakh tonnes estimated for the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The marine fish production in the country during the previous three years has been reported as 33.20 lakh tonnes in 2012-13; 34.39 lakh tonnes in 2013-14; and 36.55 lakh tonnes (Provisional) in 2014-15.

Reasons for low yield:

This variations in fish production may be attributed to several reasons such as high fishing pressure, changes in fishing gear dimensions, overcapacity, pollution, environmental factors, climate change etc.

Committee to check marine fish yield:

A committee has been constituted on 28th July, 2015 with terms of reference to inter alia ascertain the present status of exploitation of marine fishery resources by various sectors, namely, traditional sector, mechanised boats sector and deep-sea fishing vessels; and to consult all stakeholders for preparing a draft National Policy on Marine Fisheries for overall development of marine fisheries in India.

Use of IT in fisheries:

Three areas for the use of Information Technology (IT) in fisheries have been identified which are:

(i) dissemination of information to marine fishers on Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ),

(ii) weather assessment, forecasting & forewarning and

(iii) real time monitoring and tracking of fishing vessels.

By using technology the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) are presently providing the "Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Advisories" using satellite data and Geographic Information System (GIS).

The INCOIS has reported that currently about 2,50,000 fishermen in the country are using this information. Presently, the Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories are disseminated through Electronic Display Boards installed at fishing harbours or fish landing centers or fishing hamlets or fishermen cooperative societies, local cable TV networks, radio, INCOIS website, email, Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS), mobile applications like Fisher Friend Mobile Application (FFMA) etc.

Besides this, the dissemination of fishery related information is also being done through web based media networks like mKRISHI, NeGPA and other web portals including social media.

Apart from this the fisheries department also provides financial assistance for supply of safety kit consisting of GPS, Communication equipment, echo-sounder and search and rescue beacon to fishermen.

Promoting inland water fishing in reservoirs:

India is promoting inland water fishing in reservoirs, wetlands and rivers in the country, including rural areas, by providing financial assistance for stocking of fish fingerlings, river ranching, procurement of craft and gear, construction of landing centres, conducting training and demonstration to farmers under the schemes on Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture and the National Fisheries Development Board.

For promoting aquaculture activities, the Department is also providing assistance for installation of cages in reservoirs, construction and renovation of fish ponds and tanks, construction of fish hatcheries, fish seed rearing farms, raceways etc.

The Government has recently approved a restructured scheme on 'Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries' by merging and integrating the existing schemes of fisheries of the Department, for integrated and holistic development of fisheries and aquaculture.