Fishing | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Andhra Pradesh plays a significant role in India's fishing sector, boasting the longest coastline among the states, extending 982 kilometers along eight marine districts, second and third in fishermen population and fish craft respectively, and sixth in fish production.
• The fish resource potential in Andhra Pradesh is estimated at about 2.92 lakh tonnes annually, indicating room for growth across all sources of fish production.
• Aside from marine production, inland fisheries in Andhra Pradesh have substantial untapped potential, especially with significant water bodies like the Kolleru freshwater lake, Pulicat brackish water lake, and rivers such as the Godavari and Krishna, complemented by extensive canal networks and reservoirs.

Group Fishing

• Group fishing, known locally as Samudrapu Pedda Ilavala, is the primary method of production in Andhra Pradesh.
• Productivity in group fishing is closely tied to the fishing tools used, such as various craft and gear tailored to different fishing techniques.
• Non-mechanized crafts like catamarans, masula or stitched boats, kakinada nava, shoe dhonic, dug-out canoes, and coracles are commonly employed by Andhra Pradesh fishermen.

Aquaculture

• Aquaculture involves the commercial farming of seafood like fish, prawns, and crabs for sale in domestic and export markets.
• In India, aqua animals are categorized into marine animals (e.g., shrimps, crabs) and inland freshwater fish (e.g., Rohu, Catla, Mrigala, Grass Carp).
• Andhra Pradesh stands out as the leading producer and exporter of seafood in the country.
• Key coastal regions in Andhra Pradesh for aquaculture include Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore, East Godavari, and West Godavari.

Scheme for Fisheries

Motorization of Traditional Crafts

• This scheme involves equipping traditional fishing crafts with outboard/inboard motors to reduce manual labor and facilitate fishermen to explore new fishing areas efficiently.

Online Registration of Marine Fishing Vessels and Issue of Biometric ID Cards

• Under this initiative, the Government of India mandates uniform vessel registration and the issuance of biometric ID cards to sea-going fishermen and coastal villagers above 18 years for enhanced coastal security.

Exemption of Sales Tax on HSD Oil (Normal State Plan scheme)

• This initiative aims to cover the expenses incurred due to the exemption of Sales Tax on High-Speed Diesel (HSD) oil used by mechanized and motorized fishing crafts.

Construction of Fish Landing Centers - (CSS-75:25)

• Infrastructure development at Fish Landing Centers to ensure proper fish handling under hygienic conditions.
• Plan includes the construction of Mini Fishing Harbors at:
  (1) Uppada in East Godavari
  (2) Juvvaladinne in Nellore District
  (3) Vodarevu in Prakasam District

Maintenance of Shore Stations (Normal State Plan scheme)

• Operation of 12 shore communication stations along the coastline for providing weather warnings and fishing-related information to marine fishermen.
• Funds allocated for the up-gradation and maintenance of these facilities.

Supply of Boats/Nets to Marine fishers: (NSP-FD)

• In Andhra Pradesh, a significant number of seagoing fishermen lack their fishing vessels. To support these fishermen, the scheme offers subsidized boats and nets to help them own fishing crafts.