With a coastline of 8,085 kms, fisheries play an important role in driving the economy of India.
India is the second largest aquaculture producer in the world and among the top four exporters of shrimp to Europe, Japan and the United States. Small scale fisheries constitute 85% of the sector in the country. The fishing methods employed by these small scale fisheries often have far reaching effects on the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.
WWF-India spreads awareness and promotes adoption of internationally recognized sustainability standards like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) in ways that are sensitive to the particular structures and dynamics of the local market. Over the long term, adoption of these standards will help ensure that the industry moves towards a more sustainable model where conservation goals and profitability are aligned with each other.
WWF-India’s work on fisheries projects in the state of Kerala has achieved MSC certification for artisanal clam production – work and experience that can now be scaled up to work on global commodities like shrimp.
Find out about other commodities we work onIn comparison, India at 7.6 mn tonnes contributed c.5% to the total global fish production IN 2012
