Why in news
- A diagnostic report highlighted growing vulnerability of India's small-scale fishers to extreme weather, rising sea surface temperatures, and storm surges.
Climate Vulnerabilities Facing Coastal Fisheries
- Increasing frequency of severe cyclones, storm surges, and unpredictable rough sea days result in lost fishing operations and damaged craft assets.
- Shifting marine species distributions due to warming ocean waters adversely impact traditional fishing zones and catch yields for artisanal fishers.
Policy Imperatives for Adaptation
- Need for expanding climate-resilient coastal infrastructure, early warning dissemination mechanisms, and targeted insurance frameworks.
- Integrating disaster risk reduction into sustainable coastal zone management under programs like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Key terms
Small-scale Fisheries
Traditional or artisanal fishing operations utilizing low-technology vessels and relying on family or community labor.
Storm Surge
Abnormal rise in sea level generated by strong atmospheric winds associated with tropical cyclones.
Prelims facts
- Traditional fishers form the majority of India's coastal fishing workforce but possess low adaptive capacity to climate shocks.
Mains discussion
- Socio-economic impacts of marine climate change on coastal livelihoods and strategies for sustainable adaptation.
Source: Hindu Business Line
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2026 · Q38 · General Studies · 2 marks
At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and "Blue Transformation". Which of the following combinations about the "Four Betters" proposed by FAO for "Blue Transformation" is correct? -
2026 · Q23 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below: -
2026 · Q77 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct? 1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. 2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. 3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. Select the answer using the code given below: -
2025 · Q32 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: Statement I: At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the 'Declaration on Climate and Health'. Statement II: The COP 28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize health sector. Statement III: If India's health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health- care system may be compromised. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? -
2024 · Q17 · GS III · 15 marks
What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).