India Launches High Seas Fishing Authorisation Programme For Offshore Operations

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday launched the national programme for issuing Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for sustainable fisheries in the high seas during an event in Bhubaneswar. The initiative aims to enable Indian fishermen and fisheries organisations to expand deep-sea fishing activities while ensuring responsible use of marine resources.

During the programme, the Vice President also launched the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document and presented Letters of Authorisation for high seas fishing to 10 Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPPOs) and fishermen from different parts of the country. The initiative is expected to provide new opportunities for coastal communities and strengthen India’s presence in sustainable marine fisheries.

Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan said the programme marks a new phase in India’s maritime development by allowing fishermen to tap the potential of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas in a sustainable manner. He said the initiative reflects cooperation between the Union government, state governments and fishing communities to create growth opportunities while protecting marine ecosystems.

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The Vice President highlighted India’s vast maritime resources, including more than 11,000 kilometres of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone spread over nearly 24 lakh square kilometres. He said that while fishing has traditionally focused on coastal waters, the new framework will encourage fishermen to venture into deeper waters for the sustainable harvesting of high-value species such as tuna.

Radhakrishnan said India is currently the world’s second-largest fish-producing country, contributing around eight per cent of global fish production. He noted that the fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of nearly three crore fishermen and fish farmers, while seafood exports crossed Rs 73,000 crore during the previous financial year.

The Vice President said the new authorisation framework would improve export potential and create employment opportunities across areas such as fishing, processing, cold chain management, transportation, packaging, logistics and exports. He stressed the importance of digital authorisation systems, vessel tracking, international certification and strict measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Calling sustainable fishing a shared responsibility, Radhakrishnan urged young people to consider fisheries as a modern sector driven by science, technology and innovation. He said continued support through knowledge, finance and technology would help empower fishing communities and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The event was attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries.

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