The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) had recently published Marine Fish Stock Status of India 2022 (CMFRI Booklet Series No. 32/2023) wherein comprehensive marine fish stock assessment for the country has been published.

As per the report, the marine fish stocks of the Indian waters are in good health and 91.1% of the135 fish stocks evaluated in different regions during 2022 were found sustainable.

The report assessed the status of marine fish stocks of four regions of Indian seas, viz., southwest, northwest, southeast, northeast and Lakshadweep. 39 fish stocks were assessed from southeast region of Indian coast, and 97.4% were found healthy.

Species-wise catches and length-frequency data were collected from landings by different gears in all regions including south-east coastal states for the assessment, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The objective of the report was to assess the status and provide a synoptic picture of the marine fish stocks of national and regional importance under the currently prevalent fisheries management regime in the country, including Andhra Pradesh. Fish stocks as defined by their management unit (regions) were assessed for biological sustainability based on abundance and level of harvest. The State-wise assessments were not attempted as a part of the study detailed in CMFRI Booklet Series No. 32/2023 of Marine Fish Stock Status of India 2022. As per the report, the 135 fish stocks of 70 fish species (including 49 finfishes and 21 shellfishes) of marine fish were assessed and 91.1% of the fish stocks were found to be healthy. The region-wise status of the marine fish stock assessed are detailed below:

This information was given by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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SK/SS/SM/1531