Port Blair, August 20, 2025 — The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has raised alarm over escalating illegal fishing activities in the Middle Andaman region, calling for immediate intervention to protect the livelihoods of traditional fishermen and preserve marine biodiversity.
In a formal statement issued this week, CPI(M) leaders accused commercial operators of violating coastal fishing norms by deploying mechanized trawlers and engaging in unauthorized deep-sea harvesting within restricted zones. These practices, the party claims, are not only depleting fish stocks but also threatening the fragile ecosystem of the Andaman archipelago.
CPI(M) representatives urged the Andaman & Nicobar administration to intensify surveillance and enforcement measures in collaboration with the Coast Guard and local fisheries departments. They demanded stricter patrolling of marine zones, especially near protected areas, and the imposition of penalties on violators to deter further encroachment.
The party also emphasized the need to safeguard the rights of traditional fishing communities, many of whom rely on artisanal methods passed down through generations. “These communities are the custodians of sustainable fishing practices. Their livelihoods must not be sacrificed at the altar of industrial exploitation,” the statement read.
Local fishermen have echoed these concerns, citing declining catch volumes and increased competition from commercial fleets. Community leaders have called for the establishment of exclusive fishing zones for traditional operators and the provision of financial and infrastructural support to help them adapt to changing marine conditions.
The issue of illegal fishing in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been a persistent challenge, with experts warning that unchecked exploitation could lead to long-term ecological damage and socio-economic displacement. CPI(M)’s intervention adds political weight to the growing chorus of voices demanding sustainable fisheries governance in the region.
The party has announced plans to submit a memorandum to the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, outlining its demands and proposing a multi-stakeholder task force to address the crisis.
