May 4, 2026

India's marine fish production rose by 3% last year

India's marine fish production touched 35.7 lakh tonnes (3.57 million tonnes) in 2025, marking a slight 3% increase over the 2024 landings.

The annual marine fish landing estimates by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), which were released on April 30, found that Tamil Nadu topped the production chart with 6.85 lakh tonnes (0.685 million tonnes), while Gujarat slipped to second place after a 15% decline, largely due to adverse weather and extended fishing bans. Kerala remained in third position, CMFRI officials told the media.

Indian mackerel remained the most landed resource in the country at 2.70 lakh tonnes (0.27 million tonnes), followed by cephalopods at 2.57 lakh tonnes (0.257 million tonnes) and oil sardine at 2.53 lakh tonnes (0.253 million tonnes). Cephalopods and threadfin breams recorded 25% and 55% growth respectively—both reaching decadal-high levels. Pelagic fish dominated the catch with a 54% share, followed by demersal resources, crustaceans and molluscs. Among major states, Karnataka recorded a 44% surge in landings following a steep decline in 2024. Maharashtra also posted strong growth of 18%, as per the findings.

A major highlight of Kerala's marine fish landings in 2025 was the increase in Indian oil sardine, which emerged as the top resource with 1.68 lakh tonnes (0.168 million tonnes) (13% increase over 2024), marking a decadal high, the organisation noted in its statement. At the same time, threadfin breams and cephalopods registered significant growth of 27% and 16%, respectively. Kerala's marine fish catch reached 6.24 lakh tonnes (0.624 million tonnes) in 2025 with a 2% increase over 2024, accounting for around 17% of India's total marine fish production.

Marine fish landings generated an estimated ₹69,254 crore (US$8.31 billion) at landing centres across the country and ₹97,702 crore (US$11.72 billion) at the retail level, indicating strong market demand. In Kerala, the total value at the landing centre level was estimated at ₹12,665 crore (US$1.52 billion) and ₹16,681 crore (US$2.00 billion) at the retail centre level.

- The Hindu