The Government of India has introduced new deep-sea fishing regulations to ensure sustainable management of marine resources within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These rules prioritize cooperative participation, responsible fishing practices, and the protection of biodiversity while strengthening the fisheries value chain.
The primary objective is to promote the sustainable harnessing of fisheries resources within India’s EEZ by giving preference to fishermen cooperative societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) for operating modern, deep-sea fishing vessels. The policy seeks to balance economic opportunity with ecological responsibility.
Deep-sea fishing operations may be undertaken by individual operators, FFPOs, or Fishermen Cooperatives. These entities must manage or control the fishing vessels and are fully responsible for their operations, safety, and regulatory compliance.
The new framework emphasizes training and capacity-building programs for traditional and small-scale fishers. The Centre will work through cooperatives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and FFPOs to improve operational skills, onboard management, and value-chain efficiency, thereby enhancing income opportunities and export readiness.
The ‘mother-and-child vessel’ model involves deploying large ‘mother ships’ supported by smaller ‘child vessels’ for mid-sea transshipment. This system reduces coastal congestion, minimizes turnaround time, and supports high-quality fish exports. It is particularly crucial for regions like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, which together account for nearly 49% of India’s EEZ.
The new rules strictly prohibit LED light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling — practices known to disrupt marine ecosystems, damage spawning grounds, and deplete fish stocks. These bans aim to restore ecological balance and ensure the long-term sustainability of marine life.
To enhance transparency and traceability, fishermen are now required to obtain catch certificates and health certificates through online portals linked with the ‘ReALCraft’ system. This integration ensures that all catches are traceable from source to market, aligning with international export compliance standards.
The regulations emphasize the protection of marine biodiversity through several measures, including the prescription of minimum legal fish sizes, preparation of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), and conducting stakeholder consultations. These steps aim to restore depleted fish populations and maintain a balanced marine ecosystem.
To reduce pressure on coastal and nearshore fisheries, the government encourages mariculture activities such as seaweed cultivation and cage farming. These eco-friendly ventures promote income diversification for fishing communities while minimizing environmental impact.
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