India aims to increase marine fish catch to 3 MT in 2011-12

NEW DELHI: Concerned over depleting marine catches mainly due to weak presence in the EEZ and high seas, India is working on harmonised development of coastal and deep sea sector to enhance marine capture fisheries to 3 million tonnes in 2011-12 fiscal.

Present annual production of marine fisheries is 2.96 million tonnes, official sources said.

Marine fishing policy aims to augument marine fish production of the country up to the sustainable level in a responsible manner so as to boost export of sea food from the country, a senior officer of Department of Fishery under Union Agriculture ministry said.

Strategy of boosting marine fishery included regulated fishing and capacity management in mechanised sector and diversified fishing in deep sea & oceanic resources, the officer added.

A sum of Rs 350 crore has been earmarked in the 11th Plan for marine fisheries infrastructure and post-harvest operations.

Highlighting marine fisheries scenario, the official identified weak presence in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and high seas and over fishing in coastal waters.

Under the law of the sea, an EEZ is a seazone over which a state has special rights over the exploration and use of marine resources, including production of energy from water and wind.

It stretches from the seaward edge of the state's territorial sea out to 200 nautical miles from its coast. In casual usage, the term may include the territorial sea and even the continental shelf beyond the 200-mile limit.

There is a need for rationalisation of restricted zones along coast for fisheries and aquaculture, the officer said pointing towards areas needing attention for boosting marine fish catch.

India has 8,118 km of coast line while the EEZ is spread in an area of 2.02 million square km. There are 3322 fishing villages.