Topic
fisheries
Regulations & Compliance India's WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement Ratification Sparks Concern Among Traditional Fishermen
India formally ratified the WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement on July 20, 2026, becoming the 123rd member. Fisherfolk groups in Kerala, including KADAL and the Kerala Fishermen Coordination Committee, have raised strong objections, warning that implementation could threaten the livelihoods of millions of traditional fishermen who rely on government subsidies for survival. They argue that developed countries provide far larger subsidies per worker, and that India's fishing communities, 68% of whom live below the poverty line, need continued support.
Technology CMFRI Launches DeepDATA Mobile App for Digital Documentation of Deep-Sea Fish Biodiversity
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) has launched DeepDATA, a mobile application for digitally documenting deep-sea marine biodiversity. The app allows users to browse verified information on deep-sea fish species and contribute field observations, which are then validated by CMFRI experts before being added to a national digital repository.
Trade India Deposits Instrument of Acceptance for WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 20 July 2026
India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 20 July 2026, becoming a party to the pact. The agreement, adopted in June 2022 and effective from September 2025, prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and for overfished stocks. It disciplines harmful subsidies for industrial fishing fleets, benefiting small-scale fishers in India, while aquaculture and inland fisheries remain outside its scope.
Regulations & Compliance India Joins WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement to Support Sustainable Fishing
On July 20, 2026, India formally joined the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS), prohibiting government support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and overfished stocks. The agreement, effective since September 15, 2025, is the first multilateral WTO pact with an environmental sustainability objective, protecting small-scale fishers and disciplining subsidies for large industrial fleets.
Trade India to Release Export-Oriented Fisheries Policy Focusing on Inland Fishery
India's Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced an upcoming export-oriented fisheries policy emphasizing inland fishery, which currently accounts for only 2% of India's fishery exports. He stated that fishery exports jumped by Rs 10,000 crore to over Rs 72,000 crore in 2025-26, crediting free trade agreements. The minister also highlighted transport bottlenecks and directed ICAR to study drone use for connecting inland fisheries to export hubs.
Commodities El Niño Disrupts Pacific Fisheries, Canceling Peru Anchovy Season and Boosting Tuna Catches
The 2026 'super' El Niño is already affecting Pacific fisheries dramatically. Peru has effectively canceled its anchovy fishing season due to warm waters driving fish deeper, while Southern California sees record tuna catches. Seafood prices are rising in local markets, with Peruvian jack mackerel and corvina prices doubling.
Commodities Garware Technical Fibres rides wave of non-salmon aquaculture expansion globally
Garware Technical Fibres Ltd is capitalizing on the rapid expansion of non-salmon aquaculture driven by government investments in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. CEO Shujaul Rehman notes that while salmon remains the largest segment, non-salmon species represent the next growth phase. The company reported FY26 net profit of ₹211.27 crore on revenue of ₹1,418.98 crore, with international markets contributing 60% of revenue.
Commodities Lakshadweep targets 50,000-tonne annual tuna production in five-year plan
Lakshadweep has drawn up a five-year perspective plan to raise annual tuna and tuna-like fish production to 50,000 tonnes, more than doubling current catch. The plan, developed through a stakeholder consultation led by ICAR-CMFRI, includes 50 new deep-sea fishing vessels, seaweed cultivation over 5 sq km, and major infrastructure such as cold storage and value-addition units. The initiative aims to create livelihood opportunities for island fishing communities under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Logistics Norebo Expands Shipping Arm with Dalreefer Takeover, Bolstering Russian Reefer Capacity
Russian seafood group Norebo has acquired Far East-based reefer operator Dalreefer, adding five vessels to its logistics arm. The deal strengthens Norebo's vertical integration in cold-chain shipping for frozen fish exports from Russia's Pacific grounds, as Russian seafood producers seek greater logistics control amid sanctions.
Regulations & Compliance CMFRI Drafts National Marine Eco-labelling Framework to Boost Indian Seafood Exports
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has published a draft discussion paper proposing a national framework for marine eco-labelling in India. The framework aims to regulate certification schemes, safeguard traditional fishing communities, and improve the global competitiveness of Indian seafood products.
Commodities Kerala University unveils vision plan for sustainable fisheries and blue economy growth
The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has released two strategic action plans to transform the state's fisheries sector and position itself as a global centre for ocean studies. The plans propose a Kerala Blue Economy Council, 'Mission Oceans Kerala', a seafood brand, and climate-smart fishing villages. Fisheries Minister Abdul Gafoor reaffirmed the state's commitment to becoming a national leader in the Blue Economy.
Manufacturing Student-Led Crab Aquaculture Startup Boosts Kerala's Blue Economy
A student-led startup at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies is pioneering innovations in crab aquaculture. Supported by the Atal Incubation Centre, the venture aims to enhance sustainability and productivity in the sector.
Commodities KUFOS Workshop on Scientific Shrimp Farming
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Technology AI Roadmap Boosts Fisheries Monitoring and Surveillance
The Central Government has introduced an AI-driven roadmap to enhance fisheries monitoring, aiming to curb illegal fishing and improve seafood quality. This initiative involves AI, satellite communication, and digital traceability systems.