In a move to bolster sustainable practices within India's marineExclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the government has officially announced the "Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025". Effective from November 4, 2025, these rules aim to strike a balance between ecological preservation and the long-term viability of marine fisheries.
These newly introduced regulations, operating under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act of 1976, emphasize the importance of responsible fishing within the EEZ, an oceanic zone extending 200 nautical miles from the shore where India possesses exclusive rights to explore and utilize marine resources. The core focus lies in regulating unsustainable fishing practices, promoting diverse livelihood opportunities, and boosting overall marine production.
A key component of the new framework involves the issuance of "access passes" for fishing vessels. These passes, granted by a designated authority within the Department of Fisheries, are mandatory for motorized fishing vessels exceeding 24 meters in overall length. The access passes are non-transferable, non-assignable and vessel-specific. Vessels with a length less than 24 meters are exempt, unless they are involved in tuna and tuna-like species fishing. Vessel owners can apply for the access pass through the ReALCRaft portal. Verifying officers will check the applications for validity and authenticity of documents within a two-week timeframe and forward them to the Issuing Authority. The fitness and seaworthiness of each fishing vessel will be assessed according to the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958.
Furthermore, the rules explicitly prohibit destructive fishing methods, including the use of explosives, poisons, or chemicals, as well as pair trawling, bull trawling, and the utilization of LED lights to attract fish. The capture of juvenile fish below the legal size limit and fishing within designated "No-Fishing Zones" or during ban periods are also strictly forbidden.
Fisheries Cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) are recognized as key stakeholders in managing deep-sea fishing operations. These entities are now eligible to acquire access passes via the ReALCRaft portal, thereby encouraging greater involvement of organized fishing communities in offshore resource management. The government is committed to providing training and capacity-building programs for traditional and small-scale fishers, cooperatives, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), to enhance their deep-sea fishing skills and improve value-chain efficiencies.
In alignment with the Union Budget 2025-26, these rules aim to establish a conducive environment for sustainable fisheries within India's EEZ and the high seas, particularly benefiting the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. These rules will apply to all Indian vessels operating in the EEZ and regulate fishing, fish processing, and related marine activities.
The initiative also introduces the "mother-and-child vessel" concept, which facilitates mid-sea transshipment under stringent monitoring and in accordance with Reserve Bank of India regulations. This system is expected to significantly boost exports of high-quality fish, especially from island territories that constitute nearly half of India's EEZ area. Vessels operating in the EEZ must adhere to the National Plan of Action to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The government will offer support to fishermen and cooperatives through training, international exposure visits, and capacity-building initiatives across the value chain, including processing, branding, and marketing.
