Statement I: India’s offshore and deep sea fish catch is very poor considering the marine potential. Statement II: Indian coast does not have many gulfs, bays, estuaries and backwaters.

Statement I is true as India's deep-sea and offshore fishing remains significantly underutilized. While the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) holds a potential of 1.7 million tonnes of underexploited fin fishes and shellfishes, about 90% of the current catch is restricted to coastal waters up to 50 meters depth. Out of 180 deep-sea vessels, only 60 are currently operational, indicating poor infrastructure for offshore exploitation [1]. Statement II is false because the Indian coastline is geographically diverse, featuring numerous gulfs (Kachchh, Khambhat, Mannar), bays, estuaries, and backwaters (notably in Kerala) [2]. These features provide critical ecosystems for marine life and support the traditional fishing sector. The primary constraints on deep-sea fishing are not a lack of coastal features, but rather a lack of mechanization, deep-sea vessels, and modern infrastructure [2].

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Table 9.16 > p. 85
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Table 9.16 > p. 86