Central Government has notified new rules for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone

The Central Government has notified new rules aimed at ensuring the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These rules provide comprehensive guidelines for all stakeholders involved in marine fisheries—fishers, boat owners, fishing industries, and coastal states.These rules aim to establish a comprehensive framework for the sustainable harnessing of marine fisheries resources from the Indian EEZ and High Seas, with special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. The rules have been issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

Key Highlights of the Rules

¨     Priority for Fishermen Cooperatives and FFPOs: Fishermen cooperative societies and FFPOs are prioritized for deep-sea fishing with mechanized vessels, promoting community-led and inclusive participation.

Regulation and Governance

¨     Access Pass Requirement: All mechanized and motorized vessels (24 meters or longer) must obtain a vessel-specific, non-transferable access pass through a government portal to ensure strict regulation and monitoring.

¨     Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS): Strengthened MCS systems track vessels and prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, reinforcing marine governance.

¨     Use of Digital Tools and Transparent Systems: Modern digital tools facilitate real-time monitoring, data collection, and transparency in fisheries management.

Sustainable Fishing and Conservation

¨     Ban on Harmful Fishing Practices: Prohibition of destructive methods like LED light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling protects marine ecosystems and prevents overfishing.

¨     Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs): Data-driven plans by the Centre and States define fishing limits and seasons to maintain sustainable harvest levels.

¨     Minimum Legal Fish Size: Prescribed minimum catches sizes help restore fish stocks and maintain ecological balance.

¨     Catch Traceability and Certification: The rules mandate online submission of catch and health certificate applications through designated portals integrated with the ‘ReALCRaft’ system for verification and processing of vessel and catch data.

¨     Credit facility: Credit access will be facilitated through flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

ReALCRaft Portal

¨     ReALCRaft is an Indian web-based application for the Registration and Licensing of Fishing Craft. It provides an online system for issuing registration and fishing licenses to vessels operating along the Indian coast, improving coastal security and streamlining processes. The system also enables features like tracking vessel status, transferring ownership, and integrating with security and other government agencies.

¨     Diversification and Livelihood Support: Promotion of Mariculture and Alternate Livelihoods: Encouragement of sea-cage farming, seaweed cultivation, and other mariculture practices provides alternate income and reduces pressure on wild stocks.

¨     Support for Capacity Building: Training, exposure visits, and capacity-building programs improve processing, branding, and marketing, benefiting coastal communities.

Significance of the Rules

¨     Ecological Conservation: Banning harmful fishing methods and enforcing minimum catch sizes protects marine biodiversity, restores fish stocks, and sustains ecological balance.

¨     Sustainable Livelihoods: Prioritizing fishermen cooperatives and promoting mariculture-based livelihoods strengthens coastal economies and reduces dependence on wild fisheries.

¨     Blue Economy Development: The rules advance sustainable resource use, boost seafood exports, enhance certification-based value addition, and align with India’s Blue Economy vision.

¨     Regulatory Modernization: A scientific, transparent, and technology-driven framework ensures sustainable harvesting, effective monitoring, and adherence to global fisheries standards.

¨     Inclusive Growth: Community participation and capacity-building initiatives drive inclusive development, empowering small-scale fishers and coastal stakeholders.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

¨     An EEZ is a maritime area extending up to 200 nautical miles from a country’s coastline where it has exclusive rights to explore, exploit, and manage natural resources like minerals and fisheries.

¨     This concept was established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and gives the coastal state jurisdiction over economic activities and energy production, while allowing for freedom of navigation for other countries.

¨     India and EEZ: India’s EEZ covers an area of approximately 2.37 million sq. km, making it the 18th largest in the world. It includes its mainland and island territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.