In News:

India’s vast coastline, stretching over 7,500 kilometres across nine states and four Union Territories, is a crucial ecological and economic asset. It supports diverse marine ecosystems, sustains the livelihoods of approximately 16 million fishers, and contributes around 4% to the national GDP through fisheries, tourism, and shipping activities. However, India’s coastal regions face a growing crisis from two interconnected challenges: rampant illegal light fishing and accelerating coastal erosion.

Illegal Light Fishing: Ecological and Socioeconomic Impacts

Light fishing, a method that employs high-powered artificial lights to attract fish and squid to the surface at night, is officially banned in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) since 2017. Despite this, enforcement remains weak and patchy, particularly within territorial waters of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Mechanized boats equipped with powerful LED lights continue this practice, causing severe ecological disruption and threatening traditional fishing communities.

High-intensity lights lure not only adult fish but also juveniles and non-target species (bycatch), resulting in overfishing and depletion of juvenile stocks. This has been linked to coral reef degradation and altered marine food webs, especially impacting slow-moving species like squid, which are vital to the coastal ecosystem. Studies by institutions like the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute have highlighted how light fishing disrupts spawning cycles and jeopardizes fish recruitment during critical periods.

Socially, light fishing disadvantages artisanal fishers who rely on traditional methods and smaller boats. The National Fishworkers Forum has documented declining catches and conflicts between small-scale fishers and mechanized operators. Moreover, the economic incentives for illegal light fishing are high, as single trips can yield profits exceeding ?1 lakh, whereas penalties, such as fines of ?16,000, are insufficient deterrents.

Coastal Erosion: Increasing Vulnerability and Habitat Loss

Alongside overfishing, India’s coastline is increasingly vulnerable to erosion, exacerbated by rising sea levels (currently about 3.2 mm per year), frequent cyclones, and human activities such as sand mining and unregulated coastal development. Recent government data indicates that 33.6% of India’s coastline is affected by erosion, with places like Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka losing nearly half of their shoreline over three decades.

Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs serve as natural buffers against wave action, reduce erosion, and play a critical role in carbon sequestration. For instance, the Bhitarkanika mangroves in Odisha absorb four times more carbon than terrestrial forests, helping mitigate climate change. However, urban expansion and infrastructure projects have led to significant mangrove loss—Mumbai has lost 40% since 1987—reducing the coastline’s resilience against natural disasters.

Pollution from plastic waste and industrial effluents further degrades marine habitats, while weak enforcement of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms allows illegal constructions that exacerbate ecological damage.

Way Forward: Policy, Enforcement, and Community Engagement

Addressing India’s coastal crisis requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Strengthening Enforcement: There is an urgent need for uniform nationwide enforcement of the light fishing ban, enhanced patrolling using technologies like AI-enabled drones, and more stringent penalties to deter violations.
• Ecological Restoration: Initiatives such as artificial reefs, mangrove afforestation, and sand replenishment can restore natural coastal buffers. Programs like those in Puducherry and Odisha demonstrate the effectiveness of such measures.
• Community Participation: Empowering fisherfolk through capacity-building and involving local communities in surveillance and sustainable fishing practices is critical. Tamil Nadu’s fisher unions serve as a successful model of local stewardship.
• Climate Adaptation and Research: Relocating vulnerable settlements, investing in cyclone-resistant infrastructure, and expanding scientific research, such as satellite monitoring of erosion hotspots, are essential for long-term resilience.

Conclusion

India’s coastal regions are at a crossroads, balancing economic development, ecological sustainability, and social equity. Illegal light fishing and coastal erosion threaten marine biodiversity and the traditional livelihoods of millions. Effective governance, backed by technological innovation and community collaboration, is indispensable to safeguard India’s maritime heritage and ensure sustainable use of coastal resources in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 14.