Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedhi, a trade union advocating for fishermen’s rights, has raised objections to the “Marine Fish Stock Status of India 2022” report issued by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), labelling it as deceptive. Accusing the scientists involved of crafting a report to align with the government’s agenda, the union is urging for an authentic and evidence-based evaluation.
According to the union, the report, which asserts that over 90% of Indian fish stocks are sustainable, is seen as a tactic to support the government’s alleged strategy to sideline small-scale fishers and facilitate the entry of large mother vessels into Indian waters. Charles George, the president of the union, asserts that the Central government is attempting to emulate the unsuccessful model of large vessel fishing seen in other countries, with the report tailored to endorse this agenda.
A notable inconsistency is highlighted by the union between the recent report and earlier CMFRI studies. In 2021, a CMFRI report stated that only 34% of fish stocks were sustainable. The latest report suggests that the sustainability percentage has surged from 34% to over 90% in just one year—an assertion that the union dismisses as a deceptive maneuver.
President Charles George argues that the report is detrimental to fishermen, disrupts the natural balance, and calls for an outright rejection. The union is advocating for CMFRI scientists to produce a factual, scientifically researched report that accurately portrays the condition of Indian marine stocks.