India’s Deep-Sea Fisheries Research Gains Spotlight at Kochi’s Matsya Mela

Kochi, Feb 2 (PTI) – India’s ongoing research and development initiatives to explore untapped deep-sea fisheries have garnered significant public interest at the Fish Fest (Matsya Mela) in Kochi, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) announced on Sunday.

The event, which concludes on Monday, features a technology exhibition, buyer-seller meet, seafood fest, and multiple workshops aimed at advancing sustainable deep-sea fishing practices. As part of the open house, a special exhibition showcasing the wonders of marine life will be held on Monday at the ICAR-CMFRI campus, according to an official release.

Unlocking the Potential of Mesopelagic Resources​

Deep-sea fisheries, operating at depths ranging from 200 to 2000 meters, hold immense commercial potential. Among these, mesopelagic species (200 to 1000 meters depth), including myctophids, are among the world's most abundant yet underutilized marine resources.

With increasing global demand for marine fish due to their nutritional benefits and industrial applications, CMFRI is spearheading a collaborative research initiative to harness these deep-sea resources sustainably. The project involves key stakeholders, including the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), boat owners, fishers, and industry players, to assess the feasibility, challenges, and prospects of mesopelagic resource utilization.

Deep-Sea Fisheries and Industrial Applications​

Mesopelagic fish are rich in fatty acids and lipids, making them highly valuable for industrial, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications. However, their high wax ester content makes them unsuitable for direct human consumption. Instead, experts suggest that they can serve as an ideal alternative for fish meal production, potentially reducing pressure on commercial fish stocks such as the Indian oil sardine.

Highlighting the sustainability benefits, CMFRI Director Grinson George emphasized that leveraging deep-sea and mesopelagic fisheries could help ease the burden on traditional fishing stocks while promoting environmentally responsible seafood production.

Government Push for Deep-Sea Resource Exploration​

This research initiative has gained momentum following Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s recent Union Budget announcement, where she highlighted the Central Government’s commitment to developing an enabling framework for deep-sea marine resource harvesting.

“India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) offers enormous potential for deep-sea fishing. However, our fisheries largely operate within the 200-meter depth zone, leaving deep-sea and mesopelagic resources mostly untapped,” George noted.

The Road Ahead: Sustainable Deep-Sea Fisheries Development​

For India to fully unlock the benefits of deep-sea fisheries, specialized vessels, technical expertise, and robust management strategies are essential to prevent overexploitation.

“With enhanced research and collaboration among industry stakeholders, India can develop its deep-sea fisheries sector, ensuring livelihood security, nutritional sustainability, and industrial growth,” George added.

The Matsya Mela continues to draw attention to the economic and environmental importance of sustainable deep-sea fisheries, positioning India as a key player in marine resource innovation and sustainability.