Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025

On 4th November 2025, the Government of India notified the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules, 2025, marking a major milestone in advancing sustainable deep-sea fishing and supporting coastal livelihoods.

Key Points

Empowering Small Fishers: The rules prioritize small fishers’ cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), granting them access to deep-sea fishing operations, training, and affordable credit through schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
Modernization of Marine Fisheries: The new framework promotes modernization through value addition, certification, traceability, and the adoption of “mother-and-child” vessel models allowing mid-sea transhipment under Reserve Bank of India regulations.
Island Focus: Special emphasis is placed on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, which together account for nearly 50% of India’s EEZ.
Sustainability Measures: The rules prohibit harmful practices like LED light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling.
Digital Governance: A fully digital “Access Pass” system for mechanized and large motorized vessels will be launched via the ReALCRaft portal.
Curbing IUU Fishing: The government will frame a National Plan of Action to curb Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, safeguarding marine ecosystems and small fishers’ interests.
Enhanced Security and Tracking: The rules mandate transponders and QR-coded ID cards for fishers and vessels.