This research note assesses the socio-economic impact of the Enhanced Fishing Suitability Index (FSI) on fisheries productivity, fisher livelihoods, and the broader maritime economy. By integrating multiple oceanographic parameters into fisheries advisories, the framework enables more accurate targeting of fishing grounds, improved seasonal effort allocation, and early warning of ecological stress events. The analysis demonstrates that transitioning from conventional dual-parameter advisories to a multi-parameter FSI can significantly improve Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE), reduce operational costs, enhance fisher safety, and support sustainable fisheries management. The findings highlight the potential of environmental intelligence to strengthen India's Blue Economy while improving income security for coastal communities.
The enhanced advisory framework is projected to improve Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) through better spatial targeting, seasonal optimization, and avoidance of low-quality fishing zones, translating into substantial gains for fishing communities and fleet operators.
Improved catch efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and optimized fishing effort could generate an estimated INR 300–330 crore in additional annual value for Maharashtra's fisheries sector, with cascading benefits across the maritime value chain.
The framework introduces habitat compression alerts, species-specific seasonal advisories, and predictive planning tools that enhance fisher safety, support sustainable harvesting practices, improve cold-chain logistics, and provide early warning of climate-driven changes in fish distribution.
“”The socio-economic impact of transitioning from dual-parameter PFZ to multi-parameter FSI is substantial and measurable.
Junior Research Fellow