Pandemic COVID-19’s Probable Impacts on Indian Fisheries Sectors & Its Protective Measures

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the sudden India-wide lockdown, has severely affected India's fisheries sectors. Fishers, hatchery owners, fish processors, sea-food exporters, traders, fish vendors, vehicles carrying fish – all involved in fisheries and allied activities have been badly impacted. Some deceptive perceptions about fish and fishery products in some countries have led to decreased consumption, a drop in demand, and resulting price drops of fish. As there is no current report suggesting that fish play an epidemiological role in spreading COVID-19 to humans, it is safe to consume fish. This article aims to describe some predictable multidirectional impacts of this pandemic on the fisheries sector and a set of protective measures to get rid of this sudden shock.