Context:- India’s marine fisheries produced 1.32 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce one kilogram of fish in 2016, lower than the global average of 2 tonnes.
- This estimate covers emissions during the entire chain of operations of marine fisheries — from the construction of boats to retail.
The usual Carbon Footprint
- Active fishing consumes more than 90 per cent of the fuel used in the sector, contributing 4,934 million kilograms of CO2 emissions annually.
- The country’s carbon emissions from the marine mechanised fisheries sector is 16.3 per cent, lower than the global level.
- Because they depend largely on human force.
- Large mechanised fishing boats were introduced in India in the late 1950s, but the fleet size is growing. Their number increased to 72,559 in 2010 from 6,708 in 1961. In 2010, these boats with inboard engines released 1.18 tonnes CO2 per kilogram of fish caught.
- Impacts on marine ecosystems
- Marine ecosystems are changing due to an increase in the intensity of cyclones, sea-level rise and the warming of the Indian Ocean.
- The diversity of species is changing. During coral bleaching, for example, reef-associated fish deplete.
- Researchers are trying to identify critical climate change control points in the value chain system. Based on this, they will make relevant interventions.
The Way Forward
- We need to look at how fishing contributes to climate change and how India can reduce carbon emissions from the fishing sector.
- To find greener fishing methods to reduce carbon emissions. This includes optimising fuel usage and reducing fuel wastage.
India’s Marine Fisheries
