India to Launch New Fishing Access Pass for Sustainable Seafood Growth
On February 20, 2026, Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, will unveil the Access Pass for fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at an event in Veraval, Gujarat. This initiative seeks to enhance the country’s fishing sector by enabling fishers to tap into high-value resources while promoting sustainable practices.
Harnessing India’s Marine Resources
With a coastline stretching approximately 11,099 kilometers and an EEZ of around 2.4 million square kilometers, India boasts a rich marine resource base. The nation is currently the second-largest global producer of fisheries and aquaculture, exporting seafood worth about ₹62,408 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. However, much of the fishing activity is confined to waters within 40–50 nautical miles from the coast, leaving the vast potential of the EEZ largely untapped.
New Regulations and Frameworks
To maximize this underutilized area, the Government of India has introduced the “Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), 2025” rules under the _Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976_. Announced in the Union Budget for 2025-26, these regulations establish a legal framework aimed at ensuring responsible and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
Empowering Fishing Communities
In addition to the new regulations, the government has also developed a National Framework on traceability for fisheries and aquaculture. This comprehensive approach aims to bolster monitoring systems and improve the safety of fishing operations, particularly benefiting traditional and small-scale fishers. The initiative encourages the participation of fisheries cooperatives, Self Help Groups, and Fishery Producer Organizations (FFPOs) in deep-sea fishing and processing activities, which are crucial for boosting seafood exports.
Transforming the Fishing Sector
To further improve the fishing industry’s efficiency, a Joint Working Group (JWG) has been established by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperation. This group will focus on enhancing fisheries cooperatives throughout the deep-sea fishing value chain, covering aspects such as processing, marketing, and export. A significant aspect of this transition includes the establishment of 34 fisheries production and processing clusters across pivotal regions, including the Fishing Harbour Cluster in Veraval, which holds potential as a major processing and export hub.
A Vision for the Future
With strong governmental support, India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector is entering a transformative phase. Key priorities include increasing export competitiveness, integrating digital technologies, and promoting sustainable practices. By embedding digital platforms with health certification and modern processing facilities, the government aims to meet international standards and enhance the real value from seafood exports, ensuring that benefits reach fishers and coastal communities directly.
Enhancing Access and Income
The introduction of the Access Pass Framework will be a pivotal element of the EEZ rules, allowing authorized fishers to access high-value marine resources while ensuring compliance with traceability and certification standards. This initiative promises to raise fishers’ incomes and foster a sustainable seafood export market.
This upcoming launch marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards a sustainable offshore fisheries management system. It represents a shift from traditional nearshore fishing operations to a more sustainable and inclusive approach, aimed at unlocking the vast potential of the country’s deep-sea resources, enhancing livelihoods, and supporting the broader vision of a prosperous Blue Economy.
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