In News:

A landmark deep-sea fishing expedition by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) has led to the discovery of previously underexploited fishing grounds in the Arabian Sea, offering significant promise for India’s marine resource sustainability, food security, and fishermen’s livelihoods.

Key Highlights of the Expedition

• Conducted by: Fishery Survey of India (FSI), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
• Supported by: Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY)
• Geographic Scope: Waters between Kollam (Kerala) and Goa, at depths of 300–540 meters
• Location: Approx. 100–120 nautical miles off India’s western coast
• Catch Rate: Average Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) recorded at 150–300 kg/hr
• Timing: No significant difference observed in catches between day and night

Marine Biodiversity of the New Grounds

The discovered ecosystem harbors rich and diverse marine life, including:

• Commercially Important Crustaceans:
  • Humpback nylon shrimp
  • Arabian red shrimp
  • Deep sea mud shrimp
  • Deepwater spiny lobster
  • Deep sea squat lobster
• Cephalopods:
  • Opisthoteuthis species
  • Octopoteuthissicula
• Diverse Deep-Sea Fishes:
  • Froghead eel, Rosy cod, Snake mackerel, Sackfish
  • Royal escolar, Bandfishes, Duckbill flathead
  • Splendid alfonsino, Myctiophids, Shadow driftfish
  • Spinyjawgreeneye, Shortfin neoscopelid, Stargazers
• Elasmobranchs (Cartilaginous Fishes):
  • Sicklefin chimaera, Pygmy ribbontail catshark
  • Bramble shark, Indian swellshark, Travancore skate

Significance for India’s Fisheries Sector

• Reduces Pressure on Coastal Fisheries: Coastal resources are under stress from overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. Deep-sea grounds offer a sustainable alternative.
• Supports Blue Economy Goals: Enhances India’s capacity to sustainably exploit its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Economic Benefits: Aligns with the government’s goal of doubling fishermen’s income and generating employment in marine-based livelihoods.
• Scientific Value: Contributes to marine biodiversity documentation and ecosystem-based fisheries management.