📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)
Business
India's WTO Fisheries Deal Raises Alarm Among Traditional Fishermen
✍️ BusinessLine
🗓 28 Jul 2026, 04:37 AM
👁 6
India’s recent entry into a WTO fisheries agreement has sparked worry among traditional fishing communities, who fear the deal could alter local fishing practices and livelihoods.
India has recently signed a fisheries agreement with the World Trade Organization, marking a significant step in its trade commitments.
The agreement is expected to standardise fishing regulations and trade of fish products across member countries.
However, traditional fishing communities across the country have expressed concern that the new rules could affect local fishing practices, quotas, and their livelihoods.
Fishermen fear that increased competition and stricter quotas might reduce the catch available to small-scale operators.
Local associations have called for clearer guidelines and safeguards to protect the interests of small-scale fishers before the agreement takes effect.
The agreement is expected to standardise fishing regulations and trade of fish products across member countries.
However, traditional fishing communities across the country have expressed concern that the new rules could affect local fishing practices, quotas, and their livelihoods.
Fishermen fear that increased competition and stricter quotas might reduce the catch available to small-scale operators.
Local associations have called for clearer guidelines and safeguards to protect the interests of small-scale fishers before the agreement takes effect.