A sustained decline in fish catch across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over recent years is placing mounting economic pressure on fishing communities, with experienced fishermen and sector experts warning that livelihoods dependent on the sea are increasingly under threat.
Despite the islands being among India’s richest marine regions, official fisheries data shows that overall fish production remains modest. According to the latest available figures, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands produced around 47,000 tonnes of fish in 2023, marginally higher than about 44,000 tonnes in 2022, but still far below the region’s estimated potential.
Shyam, who goes by his first name, has more than 18 years of experience working across Andaman waters and says the decline in fish availability is widespread and significant. Having fished extensively from North Diglipur in North Andaman to Hut Bay in Little Andaman, he says current catches are far lower than what fishermen were accustomed to in earlier years.
“Earlier, we used to get a lot more fish. Now it has become very less,” he says.
Experts familiar with fishing activity in the islands say fishermen are now required to travel wider areas and spend longer hours at sea to secure even modest catches. Despite the increased effort, returns remain consistently lower, affecting both daily income and the long-term viability of fishing as an occupation.
Shyam points to a sharp decline in bangadi, or Indian mackerel, once a commonly available species in local waters, saying it is no longer found in the same quantities as before. Experts say the decline reflects a broader depletion of fish stocks across multiple fishing zones in the Andaman region.
The concern is striking given the islands’ marine richness. Scientific assessments show that over 1,400 fish species have been recorded in Andaman and Nicobar waters, with around 400 considered commercially important. Widely found species include Indian mackerel (bangadi), sardines, tuna, seer fish or king mackerel, anchovies, snapper, grouper, barracuda and reef-associated species such as coral trout. Pelagic species like tuna and mackerel have traditionally formed the backbone of commercial fishing, while reef fish dominate local markets.
Fishermen and experts say that while these species are still present, their availability has become increasingly uneven. Seasonal abundance has declined, and catch volumes have grown unpredictable, disrupting fishing cycles that were once relatively stable. Changes in sea conditions, fishing pressure and shifting monsoon patterns are increasingly cited as contributing factors.
Beyond falling catches, market dynamics have also become more challenging. Experts say the growing inflow of fish from the Indian mainland has added pressure on local prices, often undercutting island fishermen and reducing demand for locally caught fish.
“When fish comes from outside, the price here goes down,” Shyam says, adding that even when local supply is limited, mainland imports affect sales in island markets.
Environmental factors have further compounded the problem. Experts point to the increasing presence of plastic waste during the monsoon season, which frequently interferes with fishing operations. Changes in sea movement during the rainy months push debris closer to island waters, damaging nets and increasing effort.
“Sometimes during the rain, plastic comes into our nets,” Shyam says.
Weather unpredictability has also made fishing riskier. Experts say monsoon patterns have become more irregular, making it difficult for fishermen to plan trips and schedules. Sudden weather changes have added uncertainty to daily operations, affecting both safety and productivity.
“The monsoon keeps changing,” Shyam says.
Even when fishermen manage to land large catches, logistical constraints limit their ability to benefit. Shyam says the absence of timely export support and adequate cold storage often results in losses when fish is caught in bulk.
“When we get a lot of fish at one time, we cannot export it,” he says.
Experts note that while studies estimate the marine fish harvest potential of the Andaman region at around 240,000 tonnes annually, actual landings represent only a fraction of this figure. Gaps in infrastructure, storage, processing and market access continue to restrict the sector’s growth.
Taken together, the accounts of fishermen and experts reflect the broader challenges facing fishing communities across the Andaman Islands. Declining fish availability, environmental pollution, unpredictable weather patterns, pressure from mainland imports and limited institutional support are steadily eroding economic security.
For communities whose livelihoods depend almost entirely on fishing, these pressures are becoming increasingly difficult to absorb. As conditions at sea and in local markets continue to change, fishermen and experts warn that sustaining traditional fishing livelihoods in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may become even more challenging in the years ahead.
