Centre notifies Rules for Sustainable Fishing in Exclusive Economic Zone

The Government of India has notified the “Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules, 2025”

• This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a prosperous and inclusive Blue Economy, and fulfils a key announcement in the Budget 2025-26.

Priority Access & Support for Small Fishers’ Cooperatives

• The rules give priority access to deep-sea fishing operations to small-fishers’ cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs).
• Support measures include training, global exposure, and affordable credit via flagship schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

Technology, Traceability & Conservation Measures

• A “mother-and-child” vessel model will enable mid-sea transshipment under RBI regulations, to modernise marine-fisheries operations.
• The rules ban destructive fishing methods such as LED-light fishing, pair-trawling and bull-trawling, while promoting mariculture activities like sea-cage farming and sea-weed cultivation.
• Minimum legal sizes for fish species and fisheries management plans will be implemented in consultation with states.

Digital Access & Monitoring for Vessels

• A fully digital “Access Pass” system for mechanised and large motorised vessels will be introduced via the ReALCRaft portal; traditional and small-scale fishers using motorised or non-motorised crafts will be exempted
• For enhanced safety and coastal security: mandatory usage of transponders and QR-coded ID cards for fishers and vessels. The ReALCRaft portal has been integrated with the Nabhmitra Application, aiding agencies such as the Indian Coast Guard in maritime monitoring.
• Fish caught in India’s EEZ beyond the contiguous zone will now be recognised as “Indian origin” under customs norms—ensuring they are not treated as imports when landed at Indian ports.

Crackdown on Illegal, Unreported & Unregulated (IUU) Fishing

• A key provision introduces a national “Plan of Action to curb Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing”, aimed at protecting marine resources and the interests of small-scale fishers.
• Foreign vessels are prohibited from operating in India’s EEZ under any arrangement.

Expected Outcomes: Ecosystem Protection, Export Boost & Livelihoods

• The ministry states that these reforms mark a significant modernisation of India’s marine-fisheries governance, combining technology, transparency and community participation.
• The initiative is expected to enhance India’s seafood exports, protect marine ecosystems, and boost incomes for more than 50 lakh (5 million) fishers dependent on the sector.

Source: DD News