Although Maharashtra accounts for 14-20 per cent of the total marine fish production of India - which is almost stable over the past five years, the present fishing fleet of the state is not capable to exploit the deep sea resources. The state has formulated a scheme to introduce a medium size craft to exploit the resources in the depth of 70 fathoms with prolonged fishing cruise of 15 to 20 days in comparison to the present existing level of 4 to 10 days. This scheme so far has not given rich dividend. In fact, the major problem faced by the marine fisheries of Maharashtra is relating to depletion of resources due to illegal presence of foreign vessels and vessels belonging to other states, which appeared to have created pressure on the coast line. As a result, the marine fish production of Maharashtra has grown at very low pace during the last two decades. In order to tackle this problem, there is need for the Government of India to introduce zonalisation of coast line in the National Fishing Policy. This will not only help in stopping illegal presence other state's and foreign vessels but also in checking the depletion of resources. Some loop holes in the existing fishing laws should also be checked to prevent any illegal presence of vessels which deplete the marine resources. Notably, Maharashtra Fisheries Regulation Act (MHFRA) was introduced in the state in 1981. As per the provisions made in the Act, the mesh size of cord end of trawl net has been specified for different areas. And, these sizes are strictly followed. However, in order to maintain the existing marine fish stock there is need for the Government of India to implement uniform ban on illegal entry of other vessels in different coastal areas. It is to be further noted that the declining trends in inland water spread area, numerical strength of fish curing yards and stagnant number of fishery schools are certainly disturbing features of the fisheries sector of Maharashtra. However, in order to develop fisheries sector, the department of fisheries in the state is conducting various training programme relating to carp fish seed production, fresh water prawn culture, integrated fish farming and management of aquarium, etc. In order to develop fisheries sector in Maharashtra, there is need to educate fishermen with respect to dissemination of information relating to modern/mechanized fishing techniques and efficient marketing of fish catch. Equally important is the need for more innovative technologies in this sector, diffusion of developed technology by extension workers and adoption by the clients. Education of fishermen about modern fishing techniques is reported to have a significant impact on adoption of recommended fish culture practices by the farmers. It is also pointed out that extension and mass media participation have strong positive relationship with adoption of fish culture practices. Nonetheless, inadequate infrastructure and flow of information technology have been cited as the major barriers for better market integration in the existing marine fish markets of India. As for the overall development of fisheries sector of India, it is to be noted that since the target of fish production of 5.6 lakhs tons for 2003-04 was lower than the target of 6.3 lakhs tons for 2002-03, measures need to be taken to increase production of both marine and inland capture fisheries from reservoirs, etc. and culture fisheries to increase the overall fish production. There is also scope for exploitation of off-shore and deep sea fishery resources through introduction of newly designed fuel saving multi-day mechanized fishing vessels and deep sea fishing vessels. The need for the multi-day mechanized fishing vessels as well as the deep sea vessels is also felt in the state of Maharashtra.