The Government of India has notified the “Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules, 2025,” marking a major step toward promoting sustainable deep-sea fishing and strengthening coastal livelihoods. The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a prosperous and inclusive Blue Economy and fulfills a key Budget 2025–26 announcement.
The new rules aim to empower small fishers’ cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) by giving them priority access to deep-sea fishing operations and providing training, global exposure, and affordable credit under flagship schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in a statement said the EEZ Rules will help modernize India’s marine fisheries sector through initiatives such as value addition, traceability, certification, and the introduction of “mother-and-child” vessel models that allow mid-sea transshipment under Reserve Bank of India regulations. Special focus has been given to the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, which together account for nearly half of India’s EEZ.
The rules also take a firm stance against destructive fishing practices such as LED light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling, while promoting mariculture activities like sea-cage farming and seaweed cultivation to ensure biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Minimum legal sizes for fish species and fisheries management plans will also be implemented in consultation with states.
A key provision under the new rules introduces a fully digital “Access Pass” system for mechanized and large motorized vessels through the ReALCRaft portal. However, traditional and small-scale fishers using motorized or non-motorized crafts will be exempted from the requirement. Foreign vessels are prohibited from operating in India’s EEZ under any arrangement.
The government will also frame a **National Plan of Action to curb Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing**, ensuring the protection of marine resources and the interests of small fishers.
For enhanced safety and coastal security, the rules mandate the use of transponders and QR-coded ID cards for fishers and vessels. The ReALCRaft platform has been integrated with the Nabhmitra Application to improve vessel tracking and communication, aiding agencies like the Indian Coast Guard and Navy in maritime monitoring.
The notification also clarifies that fish caught in India’s EEZ beyond the contiguous zone will now be recognized as “Indian origin” under customs norms—ensuring they are not treated as imports when landed at Indian ports.
Ministry said these reforms collectively mark a significant modernization of India’s marine fisheries governance by combining technology, transparency, and community participation. The initiative is expected to enhance India’s seafood exports, protect marine ecosystems, and boost incomes for more than 50 lakh fishers dependent on the sector.