Carbon emissions in Indian marine fisheries sector: Cradle to Grave Analysis

Abstract

Climate change impacts the oceans globally, its resources, resource users and environment; since 1960 there has been a paradigm shift in Indian marine fisheries from subsistence to mechanisation and consequent commercialisation. Though yielding high landings, the shift catapulted consumption of soaring levels of fossil-fuel and resultant carbon emissions. The study employed the “Cradle to Grave” approach in assessing emissions between fishing sectors across the value chain. The results indicate highest emissions from mechanized sector, however minimal when compared with developed countries. The study suggests incentive based approaches for minimal carbon emissions in fishing leading to a blue carbon economy.