Rules Notified for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in EEZ

The Government of India has notified the Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to curb the overexploitation of marine living resources, safeguard the livelihoods of small and artisanal fishermen in coastal areas, and facilitate the export of high-value fish species.

Key Features of the Rules

• Access Pass
  The Rules require vessels to obtain an Access Pass for the following categories:

• • Mechanised fishing vessels
  • Motorised fishing vessels exclusively engaged in tuna and tuna-like species
  • Motorised fishing vessels with an overall length of 24 metres or more

Applications for the Access Pass must be submitted online through the ReALCRaft portal. Verification will be completed within two weeks, and the pass will be issued within 5–10 working days. Each pass will be valid for three years and can be renewed for further three-year periods.

• Compliance with Safety and Monitoring Requirements
  Fishing vessels, operators, and owners must comply with the minimum requirements related to sea safety, manning, and Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS), as prescribed under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The Authorised Officer will be responsible for the monitoring, control, and surveillance of fishing vessels and must report any violations to the issuing authority and relevant registrars.
• Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs)
  The Central Government, in consultation with scientific institutions, Coastal States, and representatives of the fishing community, will notify Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) to ensure sustainable fishing in the EEZ. All fishing vessels are required to comply with these plans.
• Origin of Catch

• • Fish harvested by Indian fishing vessels operating within India’s EEZ and landed at Indian ports will be treated as of “Indian Origin”, attracting no duty, cess, or levy.
  • Fish caught within India’s EEZ by Indian vessels but landed at foreign ports will be treated as exports.

• Catch and Health Certification
  The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will issue Catch Certificates, while the Export Inspection Council (EIC) will issue Health Certificates. These certifications ensure traceability, compliance with sanitary standards, and eco-labelling in accordance with applicable national and international regulations.
• Mid-Sea Transshipment
  The Rules permit mid-sea transshipment of catch under a robust monitoring mechanism and in compliance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations.
• Prohibited Activities
  The Rules strictly prohibit destructive fishing practices, juvenile fishing, and fishing within no-fishing zones. They also direct the notification of a National Plan of Action to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing within India’s EEZ.
• International Compliance
  All vessels must adhere to the Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) adopted by the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) of which India is a member, including the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
• Adjudication and Penalties
  The Rules provide for adjudication and penalties ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹1,50,000, along with the suspension or cancellation of the Access Pass. Appeals may be filed within 30 days of the communication of an order.