Brief Context
In News The Government of India has notified new Deep-Sea Fishing Rules, 2025, aimed at realizing the vision of a prosperous and inclusive Blue Economy and unlocking the vast potential of India’s 11,099 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Key Highlight of the Rules Empowering Fishermen and Cooperatives: Exclusive priority is given to Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) for deep-sea fishing licenses using advanced vessels. Ban on Foreign Vess
Source Content
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
- The Government of India has notified new Deep-Sea Fishing Rules, 2025, aimed at realizing the vision of a prosperous and inclusive Blue Economy and unlocking the vast potential of India’s 11,099 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Key Highlight of the Rules
- Empowering Fishermen and Cooperatives: Exclusive priority is given to Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) for deep-sea fishing licenses using advanced vessels.
- Ban on Foreign Vessels: Foreign fishing vessels are completely prohibited from operating within India’s EEZ to protect resource sovereignty and small-scale fishers.
- Mother-and-Child Vessel Model: Introduced to enable mid-sea transshipment under Reserve Bank of India regulations, this model uses large “mother” vessels supporting smaller “child” boats to reduce shore congestion, extend fishing operations, and improve efficiency.
- Prohibition of Harmful Fishing Practices: Fishing methods such as LED light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling are banned to protect marine ecosystems.
- Fisheries Management and Legal Measures: Minimum legal sizes for fish species will be prescribed, and Fisheries Management Plans developed in consultation with state governments and stakeholders to ensure sustainable exploitation.
- Digital Access and Monitoring: Mechanized and large motorized vessels require free access passes through the online ReALCRaft portal, which is integrated with the Marine Products Export Development Authority and Export Inspection Council.
Significance
- Boost deep-sea fishing revenue and reduce dependence on near-shore fisheries.
- Empower coastal communities through cooperative governance.
- Promote sustainable resource use and prevent over-exploitation.
- Strengthen India’s strategic presence and maritime security in the EEZ.
- Enhance global trade competitiveness of Indian seafood under the “Indian origin” label.
| About Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – Legal Basis: Established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). – Extent: Extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline of a country’s coastline. – Rights: A nation has sovereign rights for exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources (living and non-living) in its EEZ. – Significance: The EEZ is critical for securing marine resources, promoting food security, and ensuring strategic maritime interests.
|
Source: TH
Related LearnPro Resources
To revise The Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ in a complete UPSC/JPSC/BPSC preparation flow, use these connected LearnPro resources:
- Daily Current Affairs - follow related daily current affairs updates.
- Daily Editorial - connect this issue with editorial analysis.
- Mains Answer Writing - practice answer writing around this theme.
- PYQ Papers - compare the topic with previous-year questions.
- UPSC Notes - revise the static syllabus background.
The Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ FAQs
What is the main issue in The Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ?
The Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ should be understood through its immediate context, legal or policy background, responsible institutions and practical impact on governance. The topic is useful for General Studies because it links a current development with wider administrative and constitutional questions.
Why is The Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ important for UPSC, JPSC and BPSC?
It can help aspirants prepare factual points for Prelims and analytical points for Mains. The issue can be linked with governance, rights, public policy, institutional accountability and state-level implementation depending on the exact syllabus area.
How should aspirants revise this topic?
First revise the facts and institutions mentioned in the article. Then connect the topic with the relevant syllabus heading, prepare 3-4 mains arguments, note one example for answer writing and compare it with related previous-year questions.
What should be avoided while writing an answer on this topic?
Avoid writing only a news summary. A good answer should explain background, causes, implications, challenges, institutional roles and a balanced way forward. Unsupported data and vague generic lines should also be avoided.
How can this topic be linked with state PCS preparation?
State PCS answers can use this topic by adding local governance, district administration, implementation capacity and citizen-service delivery angles, especially for Jharkhand, Bihar and other state-specific examples.
Speak with LearnPro counselling for batch date, mode, syllabus coverage and preparation support.