National Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Brainstorming Session
on
Prospects and Challenges for Commercial Exploitation of Deep-Sea Resources in India

September 03, 2026

The Academy organized a Brainstorming Session on “Prospects and Challenges for Commercial Exploitation of Deep-Sea Resources in India” on September 03, 2026 under the chairmanship of Dr. M. L. Jat, President, NAAS and Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, and co-chaired by Dr. P. K. Joshi, Vice-President, NAAS. The session brought together senior representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Earth Sciences, leading national research institutions, fisheries and ocean science organizations, seafood industry and other stakeholders to deliberate on the prospects, challenges and strategic pathways for sustainable commercial utilization of India’s deep-sea resources.

The session commenced with the welcome address by Dr. B. S. Dwivedi, Secretary, NAAS, followed by the presentation of conveners, Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan and Dr. Grinson George, who presented the background paper. The presentation highlighted the potential of deep-sea and mesopelagic stocks to meet the growing demand for seafood, fishmeal and other marine products while reducing fishing pressure on coastal waters. The session recommended a phased and science-based approach to deep-sea fishing, with priority given to reliable biomass estimates, ecological safeguards and robust monitoring mechanisms before expanding commercial activities. Key areas identified for strategic action included establishment of a coordinated national research and data-sharing network, development and deployment of resource-specific vessels and selective fishing gear, creation of specialized landing and processing infrastructure, and strengthening of public-private partnerships for technology development and commercialization. The deliberations also emphasized the need for capacity building and appropriate institutional mechanisms to ensure that traditional and small-scale fishers have equitable access to emerging opportunities in deep-sea fisheries.