Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules

Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025

Notified on November 4, 2025, these rules aim to unlock India’s marine potential, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Aligned with Budget 2025–26, the framework emphasizes sustainable deep-sea fishing and community-led governance.

Key Provision	Details
Community Empowerment	Priority is given to Fishermen Cooperatives and Fisher Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) for deep-sea operations, backed by financial support through PMMSY and FIDF.
Conservation Measures	The rules ban harmful practices like LED light fishing and pair trawling. They promote mariculture such as seaweed and sea-cage farming as alternative livelihoods to reduce nearshore fishing pressure.
Access Pass System	Mechanized vessels must obtain a free “Access Pass” through the ReALCraft portal. Traditional fishers are exempt, while foreign vessels are strictly barred from the EEZ.
Economic & Security Reforms	Fish caught in the EEZ are designated as “Indian origin” to avoid import duties at ports. A National Plan of Action will also be developed to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing.

PT Facts

Notification Date: 4 November 2025.
Focus Area: India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, especially Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.
Budget Link: Aligned with Budget 2025–26.
Community Focus: Fishermen Cooperatives and Fisher Farmer Producer Organizations.
Financial Support: PMMSY and Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund.
Portal: ReALCraft portal for free Access Pass.

Source:

Join Our Telegram

AI Impact Summit 2026 UPSC GS-3 S&T PT-MAINS

India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) UPSC GS-2 INDO PACIFIC – IR/PSIR

20 Nov, 25
SHARE

India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) UPSC GS-2 INDO PACIFIC – IR/PSIR IPOI is India’s open, voluntary and non-treaty-based maritime initiative for building a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific through practical cooperation. Why in News? India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Ini

AI Impact Summit 2026 UPSC GS-3 S&T PT-MAINS

19 May, 26
SHARE

AI Impact Summit 2026 UPSC GS-3 S&T PT-MAINS The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 positioned India as a Global South leader by shifting global AI debate from only AI safety and regulation to AI for development, inclusion and real-world impact. Why in News? India hosted the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 at B

Hong Kong Convention for Safe Ship Recycling UPSC GS-3 ENVIRONMENT PT-MAINS

27 Jun, 25
SHARE

Hong Kong Convention for Safe Ship Recycling UPSC GS-3 ENVIRONMENT PT-MAINS The Hong Kong International Convention, 2009 is an IMO treaty that ensures ships are recycled safely without unnecessary risk to human health, worker safety and the environment. Why in News? The Hong Kong Convention entered into force on 26 June 2

LeadIT 2.0: Leadership Group for Industry Transition COP28 UPSC GS-2 IR GS-3 S&T

14 Nov, 23
SHARE

LeadIT 2.0: Leadership Group for Industry Transition UPSC GS-2 IR GS-3 S&T LeadIT 2.0 is the second phase of the India-Sweden-led global initiative to support low-carbon transition in hard-to-abate industrial sectors. Why in News? The second phase of LeadIT was announced at the LeadIT Summit 2023, ho

India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement UPSC GS-2 IR/PSIR

03 Sep, 25
SHARE

India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement UPSC GS-2 IR/PSIR The India-EFTA TEPA is a comprehensive trade pact between India and four non-EU European countries — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland — aimed at boosting trade, investment, jobs, services, technology and supply-chain resilience. Wh