Sustainable Fisheries Management in Mumbai: An Analysis of the Current Status and Future Prospects

Abstract To maintain the integrity of the marine ecosystem and also ensure that the fisheries resources sustain for a long duration, sustainable management of fisheries is necessary. As one of India's key fishing ports, Mumbai faces significant challenges in sustainable management of fisheries resources. The study attempts to assess the current status and future prospects of sustainable fisheries management in the city of Mumbai. The study takes into account the current status of the management measures in the area, including the management regime, fishing practices, and market conditions. The study also takes into account the impact of the effects of fishing operations on the ocean environment and provides the main opportunities and challenges of sustainable fisheries management. The study concludes that sustainable fisheries management in the city is facing various challenges, including overfishing, destructive fishing, and lack of regulation enforcement. However, there are prospects ahead of sustainable fisheries management, including the increase in market demand for sustainable seafood and increase in awareness of the importance of ocean protection. The study verifies that sustainable fisheries management is efficient in the city if there is an inclusive plan that involves engaging the related Government agencies, the fishing community, and civil society. The study recommends the application of science-based management measures, including the application of catch amounts and closed seasons, and the enhancement of sustainable fishing practices, including eco-labelling and certification. The study, in general, provides informative information concerning the current status and future prospects of sustainable fisheries management in the city and recommends the application of cross-sectoral and inclusive planning in order to maintain the long-term fisheries resources.