Adapting to Climate Change Strategies to Sustain Fish Populations in India

Mr. Prasanta Mahanta

Abstract:

Climate change poses a significant and escalating threat to India’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, which are vital for the country’s food security, economy and the livelihoods of over 28 million people. As a leading global fish producer, India’s vast aquatic resources, including its extensive coastline and major river systems, are increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced stressors. This paper synthesizes the multifaceted impacts of climate change on both marine and inland fisheries, examining key indicators such as rising sea surface temperatures, altered monsoon patterns and sea-level rise. We find that these changes are already causing significant disruptions, including shifts in commercially important fish species, declining catch rates and the degradation of critical habitats like mangroves and estuaries. The socio-economic consequences are profound, disproportionately affecting vulnerable coastal and riparian communities through livelihood insecurity, damage to fishing infrastructure and nutritional deficiencies. The burgeoning aquaculture industry is also under immense pressure from rising water temperatures, salinity intrusion and increased disease outbreaks, which threaten to undermine its impressive growth. In response to these challenges, India has initiated several adaptive policy frameworks, including the National Action Plan on Climate Change and the draft National Fisheries Policy 2020. This includes the promotion of climate-smart technologies like biofloc systems and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), alongside the deployment of advanced early warning systems and large-scale mangrove restoration efforts. While these measures represent important steps, this paper concludes that a more holistic and integrated approach is essential to build long-term resilience. This requires combining scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge, ensuring equitable access to adaptive technologies and strengthening governance to protect India’s aquatic ecosystems and the millions who depend on them.