JOIN USThe Central Government’s decision to invite multinationals to fish deep in Indian waters is a game-changer.
It makes imminent sense for such a move as large fish stock of tuna and tuna-like species reportedly moves past the Indian waters into that of other fishing countries like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand which waste no opportunity to harvest them.
The rationale for bringing in MNCs to tap the flowing stock is sensible as the benefits will accrue to the Indian economy. However, when the rules are framed and regulations implemented, it would do a world of good to ensure that there are limits to the extent of fishing as otherwise it would have adverse consequences to the environment and to the livelihood of thousands of fishermen along the Indian coast.
The rationale behind opening up India’s Exclusive Economic Zone on the high seas is understandable as the catch potential is worth Rs 2.16 lakh tonnes worth Rs 3,000 crore annually. Fish like tuna, shark and dolphin fetch high value in international markets and Indian vessels are currently unable to harvest the potential.
This is the reason behind inviting foreign companies to fish in Indian waters and in sync with the Narendra Modi government’s aim to encourage foreign investment in as many areas as possible.
The ‘Make in India’ slogan can be called a ‘Fish in India’ campaign in this case. There is no doubt that the decision to invite multinationals is contentious as the fishing infrastructure they would bring along with them is sophisticated and extensive with a potential to sweep into its nets huge quantities of fish.
The government would do well to assuage fishermen who are up in arms and fearful of the developments that their livelihood will not be affected. The Centre should also draw up guidelines to safeguard marine ecology and ensure there is no negative long-term impact.
The government’s decision to get foreign trawlers into Indian waters comes in the context of widespread concern on overfishing and depletion of stocks in various parts of the world.
It would be worthwhile to emulate the European Union which is promoting the concept of sustainable fishing while simultaneously phasing out destructive methods including bottom trawling and gillnetting and reduce to the extent possible any harm to the deep sea ecosystem.
Even as the government finds itself compelled given the economic benefits for the country to open the deep sea for foreign fishing companies it is incumbent upon it to figure out ways and means by which it does not end up as a zero-sum game for local fishing businesses.