Hilsa Fish Catch Patterns Shift: Decline in West Bengal, High Yields in Gujarat
What happened
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, which operates under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, noted a marked decline in Hilsa landings along the West Bengal coast. Conversely, Gujarat's fisheries department reported a high yield of 14,587.72 tonnes of Hilsa in 2025-26, marking its highest yield in four years. Furthermore, inland catches in Gujarat rose sharply, with nearly all of the increase sourced from the Narmada River flowing through Bharuch district.
From downtoearth.org.in
Why it matters
The decline in Hilsa landings along the West Bengal coast threatens local fishing livelihoods and revenue. Meanwhile, the high yield reported by Gujarat's fisheries department suggests a boost to regional fishery revenue and output. The reports also indicate a geographical shift in catch patterns, with marine catches becoming more common in Bangladesh since the 1990s.
From downtoearth.org.in
Who's involved
- Indian Council of Agricultural ResearchApex body overseeing agricultural research and allied fields
- Central Marine Fisheries Research InstituteResearch institute reporting on coastal Hilsa decline
- GujaratState reporting high Hilsa yield and inland catch increases
- West BengalState where marked decline in Hilsa landings is observed
- BharuchCity in Gujarat where the Narmada River flows, contributing to inland catch
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- GujaratSpeculative
Gujarat might boost regional fishery revenue and output due to the high Hilsa yield.
- West BengalSpeculative
West Bengal could see local fishing livelihoods and revenue threatened by the marked decline in Hilsa landings.
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The entities involved
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Indian Council of Agricultural Research
apex body in agriculture and related allied fields in New Delhi, India
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Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
Research institute in India
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