Marine fish landings in AP dropped by 13% in 2025

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh recorded 1.52 lakh tonnes of marine fish landings in 2025, marking a 13% decline from 2024 and a 20% drop compared to 2023, underscoring continued pressure on the fisheries sector, according to the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Annual Report-2025. The state had reported 1.75 lakh tonnes in 2024 and 1.9 lakh tonnes in 2023, with the decline largely attributed to weather disturbances.The severe cyclonic storm Montha in late October 2025 disrupted fishing operations across coastal districts. Despite a 19% fall, Kakinada accounted for the largest share of landings at 38%, followed by Visakhapatnam with 21%.Species-wise trends showed mixed outcomes. Lesser Sardine landings rose sharply to 15,500 tonnes from 9,400 tonnes in 2024, while Penaeid shrimp registered a moderate increase to 13,400 tonnes from 12,320 tonnes. Indian mackerel, however, plunged to 9,650 tonnes from 32,490 tonnes. Croaker improved slightly to 7,810 tonnes from 7,030 tonnes, while Ribbonfish slipped to 7,390 tonnes from 8,000 tonnes.In the mechanised sector, multi-day trawl nets dominated with 0.89 lakh tonnes, reflecting a 7% rise. Catch rates in the motorised sector fell by 35%, whereas the non-motorised sector posted the highest contribution among mainland states with a 49% increase. The state's fleet composition stood at 60% mechanised, 36% motorised, and 4% non-motorised boats.Quarterly data showed peak landings in April–June and July–September at 32% each, followed by 26% in January–March and just 10% in Oct–Dec, the latter hit by cyclonic disturbances. Fishermen said rough seas and strong winds between August and Oct kept them off the waters for over five weeks. They added that rising marine pollution is further compounding stress on the sector.