Global Marine Fisheries Bycatch Management: Strategies, Innovations and Contextual Lessons with a Focus on India

Published by: Admin

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Authors: Thavasi G, Neha W Qureshi, Samiran Mukherjee and Gulla Gnaneshwar

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Abstract

Bycatch—the unintended capture of non-target species—remains a critical challenge to marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries management, and the livelihoods of coastal communities, particularly in developing regions. This review critically examines global strategies, technological innovations, and institutional responses to bycatch management, with a focus on their relevance and adaptability to India’s complex, multispecies tropical fisheries. Through a comparative analysis of practices across both developed and developing contexts, the study highlights effective approaches such as gear modifications, digital monitoring tools, ecosystem-based frameworks, and community-led initiatives. While developed nations have made measurable progress through science-based governance and sustained investment, applying such models in India requires adaptation to local ecological diversity, socio-economic dynamics, and institutional settings. Strengthening areas such as interagency coordination, data availability, and enforcement mechanisms can further enhance India’s capacity to implement effective bycatch management. Additionally, India’s extensive trawling activities, the prevalence of juvenile catch, and the growing fishmeal industry underline the importance of integrated, adaptive strategies. The paper advocates for a mitigation hierarchy that balances ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Drawing on global experiences, it emphasizes the need for participatory governance, capacity building, and context-specific policy reforms to support a transition toward sustainable and inclusive bycatch management in India.

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