[Answered] Critically analyze and elaborating on how overfishing jeopardizes ocean wealth and marine biodiversity. Discuss the socio-economic consequences for coastal communities and suggest sustainable strategies to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and livelihoods dependent on them.

Introduction

Overfishing is a growing global concern, with the FAO’s 2022 report stating that 35.4% of fish stocks are being harvested unsustainably worldwide. In India, which has a marine fishing potential of 4.41 million tonnes, unsustainable practices have led to stagnant or declining catches, marine biodiversity loss, and economic distress, especially among small-scale coastal communities.

Impact on Ocean Wealth and Marine Biodiversity

1. Juvenile Fishing and Bycatch: Trawlers in Indian waters discard over 10 kg of bycatch per kg of shrimp, much of it juveniles and non-target species, disrupting food webs and reducing breeding populations.
2. Biodiversity Collapse: Overfishing erodes the populations of key species like sardines, mackerel, and pomfrets, affecting entire marine ecosystems. Similar collapses elsewhere, like Canada’s Northern Cod (1992) and California’s sardines, show how fish populations may never fully recover.
3. Habitat Destruction: Mechanised bottom trawling disturbs seabeds, coral reefs, and benthic ecosystems, impacting spawning and nursery grounds.

Socio-Economic Consequences for Coastal Communities

1. Livelihood Erosion: Over 90% of India’s 4 million fishers are small-scale and artisanal, yet they catch only 10% of total output. As stocks decline, their incomes shrink while operating costs rise. 75% of marine fisher households live below the poverty line, indicating economic vulnerability.
2. Debt and Distress Migration: Decreased catch leads to rising indebtedness, especially with larger engines and nets yielding diminishing returns. Economic insecurity forces many to migrate or leave the sector entirely.
3. Nutrition and Food Security Threats: Fish provides a key protein source to millions. Overfishing affects the availability and affordability of affordable marine protein for coastal and inland populations alike.

Sustainable Strategies and Solutions

1. Science-Based Fisheries Management: Adopt a Quota Management System (QMS) like New Zealand to regulate total allowable catch based on robust stock assessments. Implement uniform Minimum Legal Size (MLS) and closed seasons to allow fish to reproduce.
2. Regulatory Harmonization: Integrate the fragmented State-level Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts (MFRAs) into a unified national framework to prevent regulatory evasion across borders.
3. Curb Destructive Fishing Practices: Restrict or ban bottom trawling, incentivize selective gear, and impose mesh size regulations to reduce bycatch.
4. Reform the Fish-Meal and Fish-Oil (FMFO) Industry: Cap FMFO quotas, mandate juvenile release, and redirect bycatch for domestic aquaculture rather than exports.
5. Community-Based Management: Empower fisher cooperatives and local bodies as co-managers of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and breeding sanctuaries. Provide alternative livelihood options such as ecotourism, seaweed farming, or skill development for income diversification.
6. Consumer Awareness and Certification: Promote sustainable seafood certification and public awareness campaigns to create market incentives for legal and ethical fishing.

Conclusion

India’s 11,000 km coastline and 3,000+ fishing villages are at a critical juncture. Unchecked overfishing risks collapsing marine ecosystems, imperiling food security, and deepening socio-economic distress. A holistic approach combining scientific regulation, community participation, and national policy integration is vital to preserving marine wealth for future generations and ensuring resilient coastal livelihoods.