India Notifies Comprehensive Rules to Unlock Deep-Sea Fisheries and Boost Blue Economy
SDG 14: Life Below Water | SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
The Government of India has taken a major step toward realizing the Blue Economy vision by notifying the Rules for “Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)” on November 4, 2025. This initiative fulfills a key Budget 2025–26 announcement aimed at unlocking the untapped potential of India’s marine sector, particularly in the deep-sea areas of the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. The key pillars of the new rules are:
Empowering Coastal Communities: The rules prioritize Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) for undertaking deep-sea fishing operations and managing technologically advanced vessels and introduces the mother-and-child vessel concept to allow mid-sea transshipment in island regions. This model is expected to boost the export of high-value species like tuna to global markets.
Sustainability and Conservation: The rules take a firm stand against harmful fishing practices, such as LED light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling, to protect the marine ecosystem. They also mandate the development of Fisheries Management Plans in consultation with stakeholders to restore declining fish stocks.
Digital Governance (ReALCRaft): A fully digital and transparent Access Pass mechanism is required for mechanized and large-sized motorized vessels operating in the EEZ, obtainable free of cost through the online ReALCRaft portal. Traditional and small-scale fishers are exempted from this Access Pass requirement. This portal is being integrated with MPEDA and the Export Inspection Council to ensure end-to-end traceability, sanitary compliance, and eco-labelling for exports.
Economic Reforms: Fish resources originating from the Indian EEZ beyond the contiguous zone will be recognized as ‘Indian origin’ under customs norms, ensuring they are not treated as ‘import’ when landed at Indian ports.
These comprehensive reforms mark a major milestone in modernizing India’s marine fisheries governance, combining digital innovation with a community-led, sustainable approach. By promoting deep-sea access and strengthening traceability, the framework enhances India’s position in the global seafood trade and supports the livelihoods of over 50 lakh (5 million) fishermen communities across 13 maritime States and UTs.
What is the ‘Mother-and-Child Vessel’ concept?→ The Mother-and-Child Vessel concept is an operational and logistical model introduced by the new EEZ Rules to enable deep-sea fishing fleets to stay at sea longer and transfer their catch efficiently. The system involves a larger, technologically advanced “Mother Vessel” that acts as a floating depot for processing, storing, and refueling. This vessel services several smaller fishing boats, or “Child Vessels,” which conduct the actual fishing operations in the deep sea. By allowing the smaller vessels to transfer their fresh catch at sea (mid-sea transshipment), the model eliminates the need for them to make long, frequent trips back to shore, thereby boosting productivity and facilitating the export of high-value species like tuna from remote areas, such as the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. The entire operation is governed by an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure traceability and curb illegal practices..
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