Kerala has emerged as a major value growth driver in India’s marine fisheries sector in 2025, even as overall fish landings in the country rose 3 per cent to 35.7 lakh tonnes, according to data from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

The latest marine fisheries report shows a stabilising trend in India’s fish production, supported by improved stock conditions and stronger market demand across coastal states. While Tamil Nadu led total marine fish landings with 6.85 lakh tonnes, Kerala retained third position as one of the most economically significant fisheries states despite moderate volume growth.

Kerala recorded 6.24 lakh tonnes of marine fish landings, contributing around 17 per cent of India’s total output. More importantly, the state registered a 17.8 per cent jump in landing centre earnings, highlighting strong seafood price realisation and improved performance in Kerala fish markets.

A key highlight of Kerala’s fisheries sector in 2025 is the sharp recovery in Indian oil sardine catch. Sardine landings rose 13 per cent to 1.68 lakh tonnes, marking a 10-year high and boosting livelihoods in major fishing hubs such as Neendakara and Munambam.

Across India, pelagic fish continued to dominate marine catches, accounting for 54 per cent of total landings. Indian mackerel remained the top species nationally at 2.70 lakh tonnes, followed by cephalopods and threadfin breams. Both cephalopod fish and threadfin breams recorded strong double-digit growth, reaching decade-high levels, indicating healthier marine ecosystems and improved fisheries management.

Kerala also reported gains in cephalopods and threadfin breams, though declines in scads and shrimp varieties slightly offset overall catch diversity. Despite this, Kerala fisheries value growth remained strong due to better pricing and supply chain efficiency, with marketing efficiency reaching 72.83 per cent.

At the national level, marine fish landings generated ₹69,254 crore, up 10.45 per cent year-on-year, while retail seafood market value touched ₹97,702 crore. This underscores rising demand in India’s seafood industry and strengthening links with the broader blue economy.

CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George said favourable ocean conditions and regulated fishing pressure supported the recovery of key fish stocks, particularly small pelagic species such as sardine and mackerel.

Overall, the 2025 marine fisheries data highlights a dual trend of ecological recovery and rising market value, with Kerala seafood industry performance standing out in India’s coastal economy.

With IANS inputs