India's Deep-Sea Fisheries Potential
According to a NITI Aayog report, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has an estimated potential yield of 7.16 million tonnes of deep-sea fishery resources.
The report, 'India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries', highlights the benefits of responsible utilisation of deep-sea and offshore fisheries, including enhanced seafood exports, employment opportunities, and reduced pressure on coastal fisheries, while ensuring ecological sustainability.
- India's EEZ spans over 2 million sq. km of deep waters beyond the continental shelf.
- The country has a coastline of 11,098 km across nine coastal states and four Union Territories.
Responsible utilisation of deep-sea and offshore fisheries can enhance seafood exports, generate employment opportunities, and reduce pressure on coastal fisheries, while ensuring ecological sustainability.
Author's summary: India has 7.16 million tonnes of untapped fishery resources in its deep-sea areas.