Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands): On the occasion of World Environment Day, a vital awareness programme titled “Climate Change and Marine Fisheries” was organized at the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) campus. The event was held in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), various NGOs, local fishermen, college students, and community members.
Rising Threats to Oceans and Marine Life
Delivering the keynote lecture online, Dr. M. Muruganandam (Principal Scientist and Head, Fisheries Science Division, ICAR-CIARI) highlighted the growing evidence of climate change affecting fisheries resources across India and the globe. He explained that:
The vast ocean surface absorbs a significant share of global climate impacts.
This absorption is resulting in rising sea temperatures, sea-level rise, altered ocean circulation patterns, ocean acidification, and an increased frequency of extreme weather events.
These environmental shifts have cascading effects on fish growth, spawning, reproduction, migration patterns, and overall survival rates, directly impacting the economics of coastal fishing communities.
Vulnerability of Coastal Habitats
Dr. Muruganandam placed special emphasis on the high vulnerability of coral reef ecosystems, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests. Because these habitats serve as critical breeding and nursery grounds for marine organisms, their degradation severely threatens both biodiversity conservation and long-term fisheries sustainability.
Ground-Level Shifts: A Call for Scientific Reassessment
Drawing from field observations and direct interactions with fishing communities, Dr. Muruganandam pointed out that climate change impacts are no longer a distant threat but are highly visible at the grassroots level.
A Concerning Shift in Fish Dynamics: Fishermen have reported that mature and harvestable fish stocks are increasingly abundant during the official fishing ban periods, while greater numbers of juveniles (young fish) and broodstock (breeding fish) are being caught during the active fishing seasons.
Given these changing patterns, he strongly suggested a scientific reassessment of fishing holiday schedules and fisheries management strategies based on contemporary biomass and stock assessments.
Balancing Environmental Stewardship and Economic Growth
Earlier in the event, Shri Balanayak (Marine Mechanical Engineer, FSI) welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of collaborative action for environmental conservation. Dr. C. Babu (Fisheries Scientist, FSI) further highlighted the critical linkages between ocean ecosystem health and fisheries productivity.
The program concluded that sustainable development requires a careful balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. Integrating environmental considerations into policies, technologies, and production systems is the only way to ensure the long-term resilience of coastal livelihoods.
The event saw active participation from around 40 stakeholders, including professionals from NIOT, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and students from Pondicherry University. It wrapped up with an interactive question-and-answer session where participants cleared doubts regarding the future prospects of marine resources under changing climatic conditions.
