Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has emerged as a major threat to the sustainability of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide. In India, the west coast—extending from Gujarat to Kerala—represents one of the country’s most productive marine regions, contributing significantly to national fish production and employment. Despite its importance, the region faces growing challenges from illegal fishing activities driven by fleet modernization, export-oriented market demand, weak monitoring mechanisms, and socio-economic vulnerabilities among fishing communities. This study examines the nature, extent, and drivers of illegal fishing along India’s west coast using a mixed-methods approach based on secondary data analysis, policy review, and thematic interpretation of enforcement records. The findings reveal persistent violations involving illegal gear use, encroachment into restricted fishing zones, unlicensed operations, and under-reporting of catches. The study concludes that illegal fishing is not merely a regulatory failure but a multidimensional governance issue shaped by economic pressure, institutional fragmentation, and uneven development within the fisheries sector. The paper recommends a comprehensive governance framework combining technology-based surveillance, community participation, livelihood diversification, and legal reforms to promote sustainable fisheries management on India’s west coast.
Raut et al. (2025) studied this question.