Move to empower small-scale fishers, cooperatives and promote Blue Economy
New Delhi: In a significant policy move aimed at strengthening India’s Blue Economy, the Government of India has notified the Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), marking a milestone in marine governance and community empowerment.
The initiative, notified on November 4, 2025, fulfils the Budget 2025–26 announcement to create an enabling framework for sustainable fisheries in the Indian EEZ and high seas, with special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. It is part of the government’s larger effort to modernize the marine sector and ensure equitable participation of small-scale fishers.
Empowering Cooperatives and Promoting Deep-Sea Fishing
Under the new rules, priority has been accorded to Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) for undertaking deep-sea fishing operations and managing technologically advanced vessels. The framework seeks to enhance seafood exports by focusing on value addition, certification, and traceability.
A key feature of the initiative is the introduction of the mother-and-child vessel concept for mid-sea transshipment, which will enable greater efficiency and sustainability, particularly in the island regions that account for nearly 49% of India’s EEZ.
Capacity Building and Financial Support
To strengthen the community-led model, the government will extend training, international exposure visits, and capacity-building initiatives covering the entire value chain—processing, marketing, branding, and exports. Access to affordable credit will be facilitated under flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
Ban on Harmful Practices, Push for Sustainability
The EEZ Rules prohibit harmful practices including LED light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling. Minimum legal sizes for fish species will be prescribed, and Fisheries Management Plans will be framed in consultation with state governments to restore declining stocks.
The rules also promote mariculture—sea-cage farming and seaweed cultivation—as alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on nearshore ecosystems and increase production sustainably.
Digital Access and Transparency via ReALCRaft Portal
The ReALCRaft portal will serve as the central digital platform for obtaining free Access Passes required for mechanized and large-sized vessels operating in the EEZ. Traditional and small-scale fishers using motorized or non-motorized crafts are exempted from this requirement.
The portal, integrated with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and Export Inspection Council (EIC), ensures end-to-end traceability, sanitary compliance, and eco-labelling — key for premium international markets.
Strengthening Security and Marine Governance
The new rules classify fish resources from the EEZ as Indian origin for customs purposes, preventing them from being treated as imports upon landing at Indian ports. The government will also develop a National Plan of Action on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing to combat illegal operations.
Mandatory use of transponders, QR-coded Fisher ID Cards, and integration with the Nabhmitra navigation app will enhance safety and monitoring at sea, aiding agencies like the Indian Coast Guard and Navy in coastal security.
A Boost to the Blue Economy
India’s 11,099 km coastline and over 23 lakh sq km EEZ support the livelihoods of more than 50 lakh fishers across 13 coastal states and union territories. Despite vast potential, deep-sea resources such as tuna have remained underexploited. The new EEZ rules are expected to unlock this potential, making India a stronger player in the global seafood trade valued at ₹60,000 crore annually.
With the notification of the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, the Centre has taken a decisive step towards a sustainable, technology-driven, and inclusive Blue Economy—combining innovation with empowerment of traditional fishing communities.
