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Tamil Nadu Tops Fish Production; Mackerel Leads Species
30 Apr
Summary
- Marine fish production increased by 3% in 2025, reaching 35.7 lakh tonnes.
- Tamil Nadu became the leading producer, surpassing Gujarat due to adverse weather.
- The value of marine fish landings significantly rose by over 10% to ₹69,254 crore.
India's marine fish production experienced a 3% increase in 2025, totaling 35.7 lakh tonnes, according to the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
Tamil Nadu has now secured the leading position in fish production, landing 6.85 lakh tonnes. This rise comes as Gujarat, previously at the top, slipped to second place following a 15% decrease in its catch. Adverse weather conditions and extended fishing bans were cited as reasons for Gujarat's decline.
The financial performance of the marine fisheries sector was notably strong, with the value of landings appreciating by 10.45% to ₹69,254 crore at landing centers. This growth signifies sustained consumer demand for marine fish resources.
Indian mackerel remained the most abundant species, with landings reaching 2.70 lakh tonnes. Cephalopods and oil sardines followed closely. Notably, cephalopods and threadfin breams exhibited substantial growth, achieving decadal highs.
In Kerala, Indian oil sardine experienced a significant resurgence, becoming the state's top species at 1.68 lakh tonnes, marking a decadal high. Despite this recovery, fishing activities in southern districts were curtailed in May and June due to heavy rains and a cargo shipwreck.
Other states also showed varied performance. Karnataka recorded a remarkable 44% rebound in its catch, while Maharashtra reported an 18% increase. These results collectively highlight the dynamic nature of India's marine fishing industry.
