Question

As per FAO World Aquaculture and Fisheries Statistics (2022), which country leads in inland waters capture production in the year 2020 ?

• A. China
• B. India
• C. Indonesia
• D. Bangladesh

Hint:

While China leads in total global aquaculture and marine capture, India leads the world specifically in inland waters capture (wild-harvest freshwater fisheries) as of 2020.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Global capture fisheries and aquaculture statistics are compiled and published biennially by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in "The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture" (SOFIA) reports.
Inland water capture production refers to fish harvested from freshwater bodies like rivers, canals, lakes, and reservoirs, excluding aquaculture.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Historically, China had been the global leader in both marine and inland capture fisheries.
However, in recent years, the Chinese government implemented a major 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River and other key inland waters to restore aquatic biodiversity. This policy led to a significant, planned reduction in China's inland capture fisheries production.
According to the FAO World Aquaculture and Fisheries Statistics (2022) for the production year 2020:
- India emerged as the global leader in inland waters capture production, recording a harvest of approximately 1.8 million tonnes, representing a substantial portion of the global inland capture yield.
- This growth in India is attributed to extensive riverine resources, vast reservoir networks, and active open-water fisheries management.
- China fell to the second position in inland capture, although it still dominates global aquaculture.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, India leads in inland waters capture production in the year 2020.