Goa’s total fish production saw a modest increase of just under 2% in the financial year 2024-25 compared to the previous year, according to official estimates released by the Fisheries Department.
In 2023-24, the state produced nearly 1.27 lakh tonnes of fish. This figure rose by around 1,300 tonnes to cross 1.28 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
Despite the overall rise, catches of several fish varieties popular in Goan cuisine, including mackerel (bangda), sardines (tarle), shark (mori), tuna (bokdo), crabs, and silver fish (balle), registered declines. Mackerel, a staple in local households, recorded the most significant drop, with production falling from 50,213 tonnes in 2023-24 to 43,728 tonnes this year—a decrease of 7,485 tonnes.
Conversely, several premium and export-oriented species saw substantial growth. Sole fish (lepo) production increased by 533 tonnes over the previous year’s catch of 1,384 tonnes. Kingfish (visvon) production also rose sharply, up by 1,203 tonnes from the 1,594 tonnes netted in 2023-24.
Milk fish (vellio) catches climbed from 149 tonnes to 215 tonnes, while squid (manki) production recorded one of the steepest gains, soaring by nearly 2,400 tonnes—from 4,013 tonnes in 2023-24 to 6,401 tonnes this year.
Officials noted that while the overall production trend remains stable, the contrasting patterns between commonly consumed fish and high-value varieties highlight shifts in marine availability and fishing practices along Goa’s coastline.