Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for sustainable fisheries in the high seas. This launch included the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document and the distribution of LoAs for High Seas Fishing to ten Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPPOs) and fishermen nationwide. The Vice President highlighted the significance of this initiative in enabling Indian fishermen to tap into the vast potential of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas sustainably.
India’s extensive coastline of over 11,000 kilometers and nearly 24 lakh square kilometers of Exclusive Economic Zone hold substantial marine resources that have been underutilized. Traditionally, fishing activities have been near the shore, but this new framework will empower Indian fishermen to venture into deep waters for sustainable harvesting of valuable species like tuna. The Vice President emphasized that this program signifies a collaborative effort between the Union government, state government, and fishing communities to drive growth, sustainability, and prosperity in the fisheries sector.
Acknowledging India as the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation, the Vice President noted its significant contribution of around eight percent to global fish production. With nearly three crore fishermen and fish farmers relying on the sector for livelihood, India’s seafood exports exceeded Rs 73,000 crore in the previous fiscal year. The Vice President expressed optimism that this initiative will enhance India’s export capabilities, create employment opportunities across various fisheries-related sectors, and prioritize fisheries cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations, and Indian fishermen in the LoA issuance process.
VP Radhakrishnan stressed the importance of collective efforts in bringing about transformative changes in the fisheries sector, emphasizing the moral obligation of sustainable fishing practices. He highlighted the necessity of digital authorization systems, vessel tracking, international certifications, and stringent measures against illegal fishing activities. Encouraging the youth to consider fisheries as a modern profession driven by technology and innovation, he called for continued institutional support to fishing communities for the realization of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
