Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture for Food and Nutrition Security in Nepal

Potential of aquaculture and fisheries sector was not realized in Nepal despite its recent expansion. A review of literature related to the sector was carried out to assess the present status, trend and future scope, and also to make policy recommendations on fisheries management and aquaculture development. Our study showed that an estimated 91,832 mt of fish was produced in 2020, which is the third most important animal protein source after buffalo and poultry. Fish contributes nearly 20% of the total animal protein intake in Nepal. However, annual per capita fish consumption is only 3.5 kg which is six times lower than that of global average (20.5 kg). About 23% of the total fish is caught from the wild by mainly ethnic communities for their families. The remaining comes from aquaculture which grew at 15% annually during the last decade. As wild catch is declining due to illegal fishing practices and river water diversion, aquaculture is the only way to meet increasing demand for fish. About 0.6 million people are engaged in aquaculture and fishery sector and it contributes about 4.25% of the agricultural GDP and 1.33% of the national GDP in 2019/2000. Aquaculture is considered mainly as small-scale, livelihood-based enterprise. Traditional polyculture of carps in ponds accounts for almost 90% of the aquaculture production in Nepal. Commercial culture of rainbow trout, tilapia, pangasius and other catfishes are spreading rapidly due to their high productivity. However, shortages of seed and quality feeds are the major constraints. If the government gives high priority and develops favorable policies and practical action plans, it would take off soon. Therefore, it has great potential to help solve many problems associated with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the UN such as poverty, hunger, health and wellbeing, gender equality, employment, and life below water.