Solutions Beneath the Waves: Economic Measures for Fisheries to Prevent Overfishing and Empower Coastal Communities

This paper aims to explore the possible implementation of economic incentives to prevent overfishing while supporting coastal communities in India. Numerous studies have been done regarding how to prevent overfishing in coastal areas around the world, but limited studies have been done in the context of India, elaborating on how these measures can be implemented in a manner that balances marine conservation and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Through a comparative literature review, this paper reviews the incentives, including strengths and limitations of each economic tool in different global contexts—and evaluates how they can be adapted to be implemented in India’s fisheries sector. Regarding feasibility, key challenges include informal fishing, low enforcement capacity and resource distribution that is inequitable to the community. The findings reveal that India requires localized adaptations: communitybased quota systems, co-managed MPAs, region-specific livelihood alternatives and carefully monitored buyback schemes. If environmental sustainability doesn’t hinder the livelihoods of fishermen and the fishing community, India will be able to chart a path towards blue growth and marine conservation.