Central Government Notifies Rules for Sustainable Fisheries Management in Exclusive Economic Zone

The Central Government, on November 4, 2025, issued the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025, through a G.S.R. notification. These rules were enacted in exercise of powers conferred by section 15 read with clause (a) of sub-section (4) of section 7 of the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976. The primary reason for their issuance is to establish a comprehensive framework for the exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of fisheries resources within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which is the sea zone over which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources. The rules came into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

A key provision of the new rules mandates that all motorised fishing vessels with an overall length of twenty-four meters and above, as well as all mechanised fishing vessels, must obtain an "access pass" to operate in the EEZ. Motorised fishing vessels under twenty-four metres in length are exempt, except those exclusively engaged in tuna and tuna-like species fishing. The application process for this access pass is facilitated through the "ReALCRaft" portal, a web-enabled application established by the Central Government for registering fishing vessels and issuing these passes. The rules specify a detailed procedure for application, verification by a Verifying Officer, and issuance or refusal by an Issuing Authority, with timelines for processing. An access pass remains valid for three years and is non-transferable and vessel-specific. The legislation also introduces stringent monitoring, control, and surveillance measures, requiring fishing vessels to operate from and return to their base port for fish landing, and to report any intention to enter other ports. It further outlines procedures for inspection and enforcement by Authorised Officers, who are tasked with reporting violations to the Adjudicating Officer. Penalties for contraventions range from five thousand rupees to fifty thousand rupees, depending on the vessel size, and may include suspension or cancellation of the access pass. Aggrieved parties have the right to appeal orders to an Appellate Authority within thirty days. The rules also define various authorities and terms, including "fish," "fishing," "fishing vessel," "operator," and "owner," and specify the roles of the Marine Products Export Development Authority and the Export Inspection Council in issuing catch and health certificates for traceability and compliance.

The legislative intent behind the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025, is to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources in India's EEZ and to promote responsible fishing practices. The rules address the need for a robust regulatory framework to manage fishing activities, which was previously less comprehensively defined for the EEZ. They aim to fill statutory gaps by introducing a structured access control system, thereby preventing unregulated exploitation. The rules emphasize an ecosystem approach to fisheries management, seeking to balance resource utilisation with conservation. The legislation provided: “The Central Government, in consultation with scientific institutions, coastal States, fishers and their associations shall specify fisheries management plans following ecosystem approach for sustainable fisheries in the exclusive economic zone, which shall be based on the best available scientific information, including fishing mortality or stock biomass levels consistent with management objectives such as Maximum Sustainable Yield.” These management plans may include spatial and temporal fishing closures, gear restrictions, limits on vessel numbers, bycatch reduction measures, and conservation efforts like sea ranching. Furthermore, the rules explicitly prohibit destructive fishing practices such as the use of explosives, artificial lights for fishing, and the capture of juvenile fish, as well as fishing in designated 'No Fishing Zones' or during ban periods. They also mandate compliance with a National Plan of Action to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, aligning India's domestic regulations with international best practices and obligations under Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. The rules introduce new obligations for fishers and crew, requiring them to carry QR-coded Aadhaar cards or Marine Fishers Digital Identity Cards. They also clarify the origin of catch, stating that fish harvested by Indian vessels in the EEZ will be treated as Indian origin and exempt from import duties when landed in India, while those landed at foreign ports will be classified as exports. The provisions for mid-sea transhipment are also regulated, requiring prior intimation to authorities and compliance with relevant guidelines. The rules also focus on capacity building for traditional and small-scale fishers, promoting deep-sea fishing skills and value-chain efficiencies, and encouraging mariculture and seaweed cultivation to reduce fishing pressure and enhance livelihoods.

Keywords: Fisheries, Exclusive Economic Zone, EEZ, Marine Resources, Fishing Regulations, India, Sustainable Fishing, Access Pass, Fisheries Management, IUU Fishing Geo Tags: India District: Not Applicable