MUMBAI, 12 May 2026: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has reported a 3 per cent increase in India’s marine fish production in 2025, with total landings reaching 35.7 lakh tonnes compared to the previous year.
Tamil Nadu emerged as the country’s top marine fish producing State with landings of 6.85 lakh tonnes, overtaking Gujarat, which slipped to second place following a 15 per cent decline in catch.
According to CMFRI, Gujarat’s decline was mainly attributed to adverse weather conditions, extended fishing bans and cyclonic disturbances during the year. Kerala retained the third position with a marginal 2 per cent increase in marine fish landings.
Mackerel tops landings
CMFRI’s annual marine fish landing estimates showed that Indian mackerel remained the most landed marine resource at 2.70 lakh tonnes, followed by cephalopods at 2.57 lakh tonnes and oil sardine at 2.53 lakh tonnes.
Cephalopods and threadfin breams recorded sharp growth of 25 per cent and 55 per cent respectively, reaching decadal-high levels.
Pelagic fish continued to dominate India’s marine catch with a 54 per cent share, followed by demersal resources, crustaceans and molluscs.
Among major fishing States, Karnataka registered a strong 44 per cent increase in landings after a sharp decline in 2024, while Maharashtra recorded an 18 per cent rise.
Improved ecological conditions
Dr Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, said favourable environmental conditions supported the revival of small pelagic fish stocks during the year.
He noted that regulated fishing pressure also contributed to the recovery by providing adequate time and ecological space for fish populations to regenerate.
Higher economic value
The marine fisheries sector generated an estimated ₹69,254 crore at landing centres across the country, reflecting a 10.45 per cent increase over the previous year.
Retail-level value of marine fish landings rose 8.43 per cent to ₹97,702 crore, indicating strong domestic market demand.
CMFRI said national marketing efficiency improved to 70.88 per cent during the year, with Kerala recording the highest marketing efficiency at 72.83 per cent.
The estimates were prepared by CMFRI’s Fishery Resources Assessment, Economics and Extension Division using its online fisheries data collection system.
Image credit: metrovaartha.com
