NFSF Opposes Blue Economy Model, Citing Threats to Fishers' Livelihoods

The National Federation of Small-Scale Fishworkers (NFSF) has firmly opposed the government’s Blue Economy model, expressing deep concern over its potential to threaten the livelihoods and traditional rights of small-scale fishing communities across India. In a recent statement, NFSF President Pradip Chatterjee, General Secretary Sebastiao Rodrigues, and Joint Secretary D Pal emphasized that the Blue Economy framework essentially transfers ecological resources to corporate entities under the guise of development.

They highlighted that projects such as new ports, logistics corridors, real estate ventures, tourism zones, and industrial infrastructure are severely impacting coastal ecosystems and displacing traditional fishing communities. The federation criticized the India Maritime Week 2025 conclave, describing it as a declaration of the invasion and occupation of India’s coastline. According to them, behind the narrative of national development and global ambitions lies the exclusion of fishing communities from decision-making processes and the gradual erosion of their livelihoods.

NFSF pointed out that even after 78 years of independence, small-scale fishing communities have not been granted legal rights over the resources that sustain them, such as coastal lands, water bodies, rivers, wetlands, and fish stocks. This lack of recognition, the federation noted, has enabled the large-scale transfer of these resources to private corporations with state backing.

The organization also raised concerns about the promotion of mechanized and capital-intensive fishing, which it said is depleting marine resources. Pollution, encroachment, and the diversion of water for industrial use have further degraded inland and marine ecosystems. Industrial aquaculture, particularly intensive shrimp farming, was identified as a major threat to coastal ecology, groundwater, and public health.

NFSF stated that climate change is devastating small-scale fishers, causing loss of livelihoods, equipment, and habitat. They noted that women suffer significantly from the collapse of fish-drying activities. The federation urged for the protection of water bodies, recognition of fishers’ rights, a ban on destructive fishing, and justice for affected communities. They emphasized the need for sustainable and inclusive development that respects the rights and needs of small-scale fishing communities.