In the fiscal year 2023-24, commercial fish catch from the sea decreased to 114,804 tons, a 21.39% drop from the 146,037 tons caught in 2022-23. This decline follows a decade of consistent increases. The catch of hilsa fell dramatically by 69% from 8,138 tons to 2,368 tons, and sardine catches plummeted by 54.58% from 50,783 tons to 23,065 tons. Shrimp catch also hit a decade low at 1,954 tons. The decrease is attributed to a surge in jellyfish, which displaces other fish and increases operational costs for commercial vessels due to higher fuel prices. Over the past six years, the highest fish catch was 146,037 tons in 2022-23. The reduction in catch is attributed to increased jellyfish presence, which has negatively impacted other fish species and raised sea pollution levels, with the ongoing weather conditions and higher costs exacerbating the issue.
Source for more details:
