India’s marine fish production rose a modest 3 per cent in 2025 to 35.7 lakh tonnes, according to the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

Tamil Nadu climbed to the top spot with 6.85 lakh tonnes, overtaking Gujarat, which slipped to second after a 15 per cent drop amid adverse weather, extended fishing bans and cyclonic disruptions. Kerala retained third position, posting a marginal 2 per cent increase in landings.

The value of marine fish landings rose strongly, touching ₹69,254 crore at landing centres (up 10.45 per cent) and ₹97,702 crore at the retail level (up 8.43 per cent), signalling firm demand.

CMFRI data showed Indian mackerel remained the top species at 2.70 lakh tonnes, followed by cephalopods (2.57 lakh tonnes) and oil sardine (2.53 lakh tonnes). Cephalopods and threadfin breams recorded robust growth of 25 per cent and 55 per cent respectively, both hitting decadal highs. Pelagic fish dominated the catch with a 54 per cent share, followed by demersal resources, crustaceans and molluscs.

Among key States, Karnataka recorded a sharp 44 per cent rebound after a weak 2024, while Maharashtra posted an 18 per cent increase.

A standout trend in Kerala was the resurgence of Indian oil sardine, which emerged as the top species with 1.68 lakh tonnes, up 13 per cent and at a decadal high. However, heavy rains and a cargo shipwreck curtailed fishing activity in May and June in the State’s southern districts.

“Favourable environmental conditions, along with regulated fishing pressure, enabled the recovery of small pelagic stocks,” said Grinson George.

In Kerala, the estimated value of landings stood at ₹12,665 crore (up 17.8 per cent) at landing centres and ₹16,681 crore (up 11.1 per cent) at the retail level.

Published on April 30, 2026