Vice President Launches National Programme for Sustainable High Seas Fishing, Issues Authorisation Letters to Fishermen.
Unveils Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document; says High Seas initiative will unlock India’s maritime potential while ensuring sustainable fisheries growth.
Bhubaneswa:
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday launched the national programme for issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas, marking a major step towards expanding India’s deep-sea fishing capabilities while promoting sustainable use of marine resources.
On the occasion, the Vice President also launched the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document and presented Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for High Seas Fishing to ten Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPPOs) and fishermen from different parts of the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President described the initiative as the beginning of a new chapter in India’s maritime journey, saying it would enable Indian fishermen to sustainably harness the immense potential of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas.
He said the programme reflects the collective commitment of the Union Government, the Odisha Government and fishing communities to usher in a new era of growth, sustainability and prosperity in the fisheries sector.
Highlighting India’s vast marine resources, the Vice President said the country has more than 11,000 kilometres of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone spread over nearly 24 lakh square kilometres. Despite possessing enormous marine wealth, much of this potential remains untapped as fishing activities have traditionally remained confined to coastal waters.
He said the new framework would enable Indian fishermen to venture into deeper waters in a sustainable manner and harvest high-value marine species such as tuna, thereby enhancing both income opportunities and export potential.
The Vice President noted that India has emerged as the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing nearly eight per cent of global fish production. He said the fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of around three crore fishermen and fish farmers across the country, while seafood exports exceeded Rs. 73,000 crore during the last financial year.
Expressing confidence in the new initiative, he said sustainable high seas fishing would further strengthen India’s marine exports and create employment opportunities across the fisheries value chain, including harvesting, fish processing, cold storage, transportation, packaging, logistics and export services.
Emphasising inclusive growth, the Vice President said the new framework gives priority to fisheries cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPPOs) and Indian fishermen for the issuance of Letters of Authorisation. He termed the initiative a significant step towards empowering coastal communities and promoting community-led development in the fisheries sector.
Stressing the importance of sustainability, the Vice President said responsible fishing was not merely an economic activity but also a moral responsibility. He underlined that economic growth must go hand in hand with the conservation of marine biodiversity and resources for future generations.
He also highlighted the need for digital authorisation systems, vessel tracking mechanisms, international certification standards and strict compliance with measures to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.
Calling upon the youth to explore fisheries as a modern, technology-driven profession, the Vice President said the sector offers immense opportunities through scientific research, innovation and global market access. He urged educational institutions, research organisations and financial institutions to continue supporting fishing communities with knowledge, technology and financial assistance to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The programme was attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Odisha Minister of State for Fisheries and MSME Gokulananda Mallik, senior officials of the Union and State Governments, representatives of fisheries institutions, fishermen’s organisations and other stakeholders.
