Maharashtra has emerged as a standout performer in 2024 with a remarkable 47% surge in production, as per data from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). While India’s marine fish production dipped from 3.53 million tonnes in 2023 to 3.47 million tonnes this year, Maharashtra recorded a substantial increase from 2.11 lakh tonnes to 3.11 lakh tonnes — the sharpest growth among coastal states.
This uptick, however, comes with mixed implications. Experts attribute the spike to a combination of natural resource bounty, intensified fishing efforts, and, controversially, the growing use of aggressive and sometimes unlawful techniques. Mechanised purse seiners were the dominant mode of catch in Maharashtra, followed by multi-day trawlers and mechanised dol nets, indicating increased industrialisation of the fishing process. Mumbai city district alone accounted for 33% of the total catch, largely driven by operations at its two major harbours. Ratnagiri followed with a 25% share, while Sassoon Docks New emerged as the single largest landing centre, handling 16% of the state’s marine harvest.
The catch was led by Indian mackerel (bangda) and sardines, with other key species like anchovies and silver bellies contributing to the overall volume. Particularly notable was the doubling of landings of shrimps and cephalopods such as squid and cuttlefish — marine groups known for their commercial value and export potential. Yet, the state’s leap in figures has raised sustainability concerns. Marine scientists and policy experts caution that Maharashtra’s rise is not solely due to improved fisheries governance or marine health. A part of the increase is being linked to the use of banned LED lighting and premature harvesting of juvenile fish — practices which the fisheries department has recently cracked down on. Since late 2024, the state has introduced drone surveillance and intensified checks to curb unauthorised activities, especially by out-of-state operators.
In contrast, several western coastal states — including Karnataka, Goa and Daman & Diu — witnessed declines, while some eastern states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha recorded moderate growth. Gujarat continues to top national marine landings with 7.54 lakh tonnes but is seeing slower growth compared to previous years. The CMFRI data also highlights a broader transition in India’s marine economy. Cyclonic disturbances and heatwaves — particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala — disrupted fishing operations, with over 250,000 fishing trips tracked during the year. Mechanised boats averaged 2,959 kg per trip, indicating the continued dependence on industrialised fishing fleets for national output.
Fisheries experts have urged Maharashtra to adopt more sustainable practices, learning from Gujarat’s balance between yield and conservation. While Maharashtra’s marine geography is rich, its total marine trade still lags Gujarat’s by over 4 million tonnes, revealing a need for long-term planning, species management, and ecosystem resilience.
Also Read: Maharashtra Approves 105km Freight Corridor Connecting Samruddhi Expressway And Vadhavan Port
