INDIA AND THE INDIAN OCEAN FISHERIES

Abstract

This account deals with the present yield and its composition, potential resources- both qualitative and quimtitative from the inshore and offshore grounds as well as oceanic areas, in relation to the productivity of the Indian Ocean as evidenced by organic production, planlcton biomass and chlorophyll distribution. The paper also includes notes on the different aspects of problem-oriented research and stresses the need for extending our fishing horizon in order to place the Indian fisheries on a firm footing vis-a-vis that of countries exploiting the Indian Ocean resources. INDIA contributes about 40 % of the fish landings of the Indian Ocean and ranks seventh among the major fish producing countries of the world. But when viewed against the world production of 61 million tonnes of marine fish in 1970, India's share was only just over a million tonne representing about 2%. At present a quarter of a million persons are actively engaged in actual fishing producing annual landings valued at Rs. 1,200 million. The industry also provides employment to 1.4 million persons. There are about 10,000 mechanized crafts which land 15% of the total production. Over 600 million rupees worth of sea food is exported to different countries, With a coast line of 5,600 km and an operational advantage over wide sectors of the Indian Ocean, India should have a pre-eminent position in marine fish production and this vital sector should play a greater role in the country's economy. Reccsnt studies made during the International Indian Ocean Expedition reveal that there are several areas in the Indian Ocean which are exceptionally rich in nutrients, chlorophyll, organic production and zooplankton biomass. Consequently these areas could sustain large stocks of fish. This paper deals with the present yield and its composition and the potential resources as estimated from exploratory surveys as well as other biological factors. It also emphasises the possible contribution by India towards a full and rational exploitation of the resources of the Indian Ocean.