India continues to be among the top 10 producers of marine and inland capture fish, according to FAO, after China, with a production of 8.2mn tonnes in 2012. The annual per capita consumption of fish in India was estimated at 9.8 kg in 2011. Inland fisheries are especially important for food security as almost all production goes for human consumption. Fish is especially important for the economically weaker sections of the population, providing a cheap and accessible source of protein and essential micronutrients. A large section of the population also depends on fish resources (both marine and inland) for their livelihoods, employment, and income. Currently, 14.49 mn people are estimated to be employed in the fisheries sector, which contributes 0.96 per cent of India’s gross domestic product (GDP).
