Impact of overfishing by large mechanised fishing operations

• Overfishing = harvesting marine fish stocks faster than they can naturally replenish; in India, mechanised vessels (trawlers, purse-seiners, gillnetters >20m) contribute the bulk of marine catch.
• India has 64,414 mechanical fishing vessels, concentrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Relevant for GS-III (Environment, Fisheries, Blue Economy) and GS-II (Centre–State, governance of commons).
• Examinable angle: CMFRI stock assessment, PMMSY, fishing bans, Article 297 (EEZ).