Dr. ABHAY B. THAKUR abhaybt@hotmail.

com
Society For Agriculture, Fisheries and Environmental Research (S.A.F.E.R), INDIA

Main economic and social challenges facing fishing communities

1. Overfishing: Overfishing is a major challenge facing fishing communities, as it leads to a decline
in fish populations and a decrease in their livelihoods.
2. Climate change: Climate change can affect fishing communities in various ways, such as changes
in water temperature and acidity, which can lead to changes in fish populations and migration
patterns.
3. Competition from large-scale industrial fishing: Fishing communities often face competition from
large-scale industrial fishing operations, which can lead to a decrease in the availability of fish
and a loss of income for small-scale fishers.
4. Loss of coastal habitats: Coastal habitats such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs
provide important breeding and feeding grounds for fish, and their loss can have a significant
impact on the livelihoods of fishing communities.
5. Lack of access to markets: Fishing communities may face barriers to accessing markets, such as
lack of infrastructure and lack of knowledge about market conditions, which can lead to a loss of
income.
6. Lack of access to credit and other financial services: Fishing communities may not have access to
credit and other financial services, making it difficult for them to invest in their businesses and
improve their livelihoods.
7. Socio-economic disparities: Fishing communities are often among the most marginalized and
poorest groups in society, and they face additional socio-economic challenges such as poor
health, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities.
8. Pollution : Untreated sewerage, Polluted water from factories and plastic waste cause fish
population to swim away from coastal areas and often mass mortality.