Background

With a coastline of 7,516 km and a history of fishing dating back to the Indus Valley civilization, India has always had a thriving coastal heritage and economy, with the practices of traditional fishing communities serving as a major contributing factor. Often termed as the ‘guardian angels of the coast’, these populations have sustainably managed fishing, the cleanliness and health of coastlines, and diverse forms of trade without any harm to the environment. 

However, in recent years, the Indian fishing industry, which is a vital source of livelihood for millions, faces a critical challenge: climate change and environmental degradation caused by unsustainable fishing practices. Overfishing, driven by the increasing demand for seafood, threatens the very foundations of marine biodiversity, and bycatch, which is the unintentional capture of non-target species, further exacerbates the strain on ecosystems. Furthermore, the pollution of the aquatic ecosystem by industrial waste and sewage has lessened fish populations considerably, making fishermen even more financially vulnerable.  

While the government’s National Fisheries Policy of 2020 aimed to transform India’s fishing landscape and emphasize the UN’s sustainable development goals, it failed to recognize the heterogeneity of Indian coastal populations or empower small-scale fishing endeavors. Our goal must be to protect our coasts and oceans while also supporting communities who depend on the ‘blue economy’ for their income. Founded upon the belief that preservation and progress can coexist, The School of Conservation was launched in 2023 to bridge this gap between the urgent needs of our fishing communities and the imperatives of environmental sustainability.