Government Issues Rules for Sustainable Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone
In a significant move towards enhancing India’s marine sector, the Government of India has officially announced new rules for the “Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)” as of November 4, 2025. This initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision for a prosperous Blue Economy, aims to unlock the potential of India’s vast marine resources. The new framework, part of the Budget 2025-26, focuses on sustainable fisheries management, particularly in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, and is expected to boost seafood exports while promoting environmental sustainability.
Empowering Fishermen Through Cooperatives
The newly established EEZ Rules prioritize Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) for deep-sea fishing operations. This strategic focus aims to enhance the capabilities of local fishers by allowing them to manage advanced fishing vessels. The initiative is designed to not only facilitate deep-sea fishing but also to improve seafood exports through enhanced value addition, traceability, and certification processes. The introduction of the mother-and-child vessel concept will enable mid-sea transshipment, ensuring effective monitoring under the Reserve Bank of India regulations. This is particularly beneficial for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, which account for nearly half of India’s EEZ area, as it will significantly boost the export of high-quality fish from these regions.
Comprehensive Support for Capacity Building
To support fishers and their cooperatives, the government plans to implement extensive training programs and capacity-building initiatives. These programs will cover various aspects of the fishing industry, including processing, marketing, and exports. Additionally, the government will facilitate access to affordable credit through flagship schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). This comprehensive support aims to empower local fishers, enabling them to enhance their skills and improve their livelihoods while contributing to the overall growth of the marine fisheries sector.
Promoting Sustainable Practices and Biodiversity Conservation
The EEZ Rules take a strong stance against harmful fishing practices, such as LED light fishing and pair trawling, to protect marine ecosystems and ensure fair fishing opportunities. To conserve biodiversity, the rules will establish a minimum legal size for various fish species and develop Fisheries Management Plans in collaboration with stakeholders, including state governments. Furthermore, the promotion of mariculture practices, such as sea-cage farming and seaweed cultivation, aims to provide alternative livelihoods and reduce fishing pressure on nearshore areas. These measures are expected to benefit small-scale fishers, enabling them to access deep-sea resources and increase their incomes through the export of high-value species like tuna.
Digital Innovations for Transparency and Safety
Under the new EEZ Rules, an Access Pass will be required for mechanized and large motorized vessels, which can be obtained free of charge through the online ReALCRaft portal. Traditional and small-scale fishers using non-motorized crafts are exempt from this requirement. The digital system is designed to streamline the application process, allowing boat owners to apply with minimal documentation and track their applications in real time. This initiative not only enhances transparency but also ensures that foreign fishing vessels cannot operate in India’s EEZ, protecting the interests of local fishers. Additionally, the ReALCRaft portal will integrate with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Export Inspection Council (EIC) to facilitate the issuance of necessary health certificates for seafood exports, thereby improving the global competitiveness of Indian marine products.
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