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IUU fishing refers to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing activities that harm marine ecosystems and deplete fish stocks. In India, IUU fishing poses a significant threat to local fisheries, especially in coastal regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These areas rely on traditional fishing methods and local products, such as fresh seafood from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, which are often impacted by unauthorized practices. For instance, Indian fishermen commonly catch species like pomfret and mackerel, but IUU fishing can lead to overexploitation, affecting the availability of these staple products. Addressing IUU fishing is crucial to protect India\“s marine biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods for local communities. |
