NEW GUIDELINES FOR REGULATING
FISHING IN THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE
The Ministry of Agriculture, Department
of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, which is the nodal Ministry
for developing fisheries in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ), has released new guidelines to regulate fishing in the
EEZ. The guidelines seek to augment the marine fish production
from the country’s EEZ to the optimum sustainable level so as
to improve food security in the country.
As per the new guidelines long
lining and purse seining for tuna, squid jigging, mid-water/pelagic
trawling and trap fishing will be permitted in the EEZ. Areas,
which are restricted for fishing by these vessels, have also been
detailed in the guidelines. In addition, the operators would be
required to comply with certain procedures regarding reporting
the area of operation, complying with responsible conduct of fishing
operations and report the catches after completion of each voyage
to a designated agency under the government. It has been envisaged
in the guidelines that the operators will not fish in the territorial
waters and cause any conflict with other stakeholder groups. Permission
would also be required for engaging foreign crew on board.
The existing shrimping vessels and
other deep sea fishing vessels flying Indian flag will also be
governed by the new guidelines. The operation in the EEZ will
be further governed by the executive orders or other instructions
issued from time to time. Copies of guidelines can be had from
Deputy Commissioner (Marine), Department of Animal Husbandry &
Dairying, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi and website of the Department
of Animal Husbandry & Dairying at http://www.nic.in/dahd
