India Launches Nationwide Vessel Communication System for Fishermen
The Department of Fisheries under the Government of India has embarked on an ambitious project to enhance the safety and efficiency of marine fishing. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government has approved the “National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS).” This initiative will involve the installation of indigenous transponders on one lakh fishing vessels across all 13 coastal states and Union Territories, with a financial outlay of ₹364 crores.
The VCSS, developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), is set to revolutionize fishing operations by providing a satellite-based two-way communication system. This technology will offer critical support to fishermen at sea, ensuring their safety by providing alerts during adverse weather conditions and informing them about ‘No Fishing Zones’ and the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) through geo-fencing functionalities. The system will also be integrated with the Nabhmitra App, further enhancing its utility. As of now, over 49,000 transponders have already been successfully installed in various coastal states and UTs.
Regulation of Fishing Practices
In a bid to preserve marine life and promote sustainable fishing, the Government of India has banned several harmful fishing practices. This includes the prohibition of bull trawling, pair trawling, and the use of artificial lights or LED lights for fishing within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). While some coastal states have also banned purse seine fishing within their territorial waters, it remains allowed in other areas. However, authorities have decided not to prohibit purse seine fishing in the EEZ, based on recommendations from expert committees.
Enforcement of these fishing regulations primarily lies with state and UT governments, who act under their respective Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts (MFRAs). The government has urged all maritime states and UTs to implement necessary measures, such as harbor-based monitoring of fishing vessels, issuing orders to curb harmful fishing practices, and conducting surveillance using patrol vessels and drones. While no joint patrols are conducted by state fisheries departments and the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard does report any prohibited activities it observes during routine patrols to the appropriate state authorities.
Actions taken against illegal fishing can include the seizure of boats and gear, financial penalties, or legal prosecution, all enforced by the respective state authorities in accordance with the MFRAs. This information was shared by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, during a session in the Lok Sabha in response to a parliamentary inquiry.
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