Archive · 3 Sep 2026
India’s Small-Scale Fishers Face Rising Climate Risks
A report says that small fishing communities in India are having a harder time because the weather and seas are changing.
Temperatures are rising, storms are becoming stronger, and monsoons are less predictable.
Fishers are also finding different kinds of fish and catching fewer sardines.
Rough seas mean they cannot go fishing as often, which can reduce their income.
The report says boats, weather warnings and disaster facilities should be improved.
It also recommends quick compensation after disasters.
Training and other kinds of work could give families more ways to earn money.
India is now preparing a national plan to support small-scale fishers.
A diagnostic report warns that India’s small-scale fishers face rising temperatures, stronger storms and shifting monsoon patterns.
Fishers reported changing fish species, declining sardine catches and more rough-sea days that reduce fishing time.
The report calls for stronger boats, improved forecasts, disaster infrastructure and timely compensation.
It also recommends skills training and alternative livelihoods to help communities recover from climate-related losses.
India has entered the development phase of its National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries, with a draft expected by November 21.
- Who
- India’s small-scale fishing communities, with findings prepared by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation and national experts.
- What
- A diagnostic report identified growing climate vulnerability and recommended adaptation, disaster mitigation and livelihood measures.
- When
- The report was released during the development process for the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries; the draft plan is expected by November 21 this year.
- Where
- India; the report was discussed in Chennai.
- Why
- Rising temperatures, stronger storms, changing monsoons, rougher seas and changing fish availability are threatening fishing days and livelihoods.
- Main climate risks
- Rising temperatures, stronger storms, shifting monsoon patterns and changing fish availability
- Reported fishery changes
- Changing fish species and declining sardine catches
- Livelihood impact
- More rough-sea days are reducing fishing days and livelihoods
- Recommended measures
- Stronger boats, improved forecasts, disaster infrastructure and timely compensation
- Additional support
- Skill development and alternative livelihood opportunities
- Other challenges
- Poor market access, inadequate storage and processing, safety concerns and limited participation in governance
- National plan status
- India has completed the initiation phase and entered the development phase of the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries