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India’s Fisheries: 50 Years of Change
India’s seafood industry has changed dramatically over the past fifty years. In the early 1970s, the national marine catch was around 11 lakh tonnes. Today, it has grown to more than 175 lakh tonnes. This rise tells the story of changing demand, government policies, and new technologies. It also shows how different states took on new roles. Kerala once dominated the industry, but over time Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the largest contributor. Other states too have grown in importance, as inland aquaculture and large-scale fish farming reshaped the balance of production.
Top 10 states by share (%) of India’s total fish production
- 50 years apart. 1973 vs 2023
(National Production: 11 lakh tonnes (1973) vs 175 lakh tonnes (2023))
This transition involved the introduction of new vessels, improved storage and transport, and international collaborations that opened fresh markets. Programmes like the Indo-Norwegian Project and the creation of export agencies helped set new standards. At the same time, natural resources, aquaculture, and traditional practices shaped how the industry grew in different regions.
This page brings these threads together. Here, you will find essays that explain the role of geography, coastal conditions, institutions, packaging systems, and places of significance in shaping the industry. You will also find maps that highlight trade routes, types of catch, and older fisheries charts that show how knowledge of the sea developed. A dedicated section explores the story of the Chinese fishing nets, an enduring symbol of Kochi’s maritime history. Finally, curated image galleries bring together archival and contemporary photographs, offering a visual record of continuity and change in fisheries.
Shifts in India’s Fisheries Production
Across 50 years
1973
2023
Our Research Shelf
Explore a curated set of essays tracing the evolution, infrastructure, and institutional drivers of India’s seafood export economy. From Cochin’s rise as a port city to national milestones, each piece offers a lens into a different facet of the industry.
