Indian Coastal and Marine Protection Laws

India’s long coastline requires a layered legal framework to regulate coastal development, marine trade, fisheries, and environmental protection. The main rules operate through coastal zoning notifications, shipping and port laws, fisheries regulations, and court rulings that define jurisdiction over marine activities.

Coastal Regulation Zone Framework

The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, regulate development and industrial activity along India’s coast. These norms are central to balancing coastal economic use with ecological protection.

• Digital integration: High Tide Line (HTL) verification is now linked to satellite telemetry and the Indian Coastal Spatial Decision Support System (IC-SDSS).
• Project clearances: Coastal project approvals are handled through the PARIVESH 2.0 portal.
• CZMP status: Under the CRZ Notification, 2019, updated Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) have been approved for Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala.
• Island plans: Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plans (ICRZPs) have been approved for Great Nicobar and Little Andaman.
• Pending cases: Other coastal states continue under the CRZ Notification, 2011 until their plans are approved.

Draft Changes in Coastal Storage Rules

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released a draft amendment on May 26, 2026 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It proposes allowing storage of certain petrochemicals in designated coastal areas under Annexure-II of the CRZ and ICRZ Notifications, 2019.

• Petrochemicals covered: Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB), N-Paraffin and Carbon Black Feedstock (CBFS).
• Legal basis: The proposal seeks to modify coastal-use restrictions through the notification framework itself.

Maritime Trade and Shipping Laws

India’s commercial maritime law has been updated to support coastal trade, port administration and shipping regulation. These reforms replace older provisions and introduce new compliance systems for maritime commerce.

• Coastal Shipping Act, 2025: Enacted on August 9, 2025, it replaces Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• Coastal Shipping Rules, 2026: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued the Coastal Shipping (Strategic Plan and National Database) Rules, 2026 on May 13, 2026.
• Purpose: The rules are meant to manage coastal trade and maintain a national database.
• Other commercial laws: The Bills of Lading Act, 2025 and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025 came into force on September 10, 2025.
• Rule-making: Draft rules are being prepared for the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and the Indian Ports Act, 2025.

Fisheries Rules in the Exclusive Economic Zone

Marine fisheries beyond territorial waters are regulated to prevent overexploitation and support conservation. The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025 are enforced by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

• EEZ scope: The rules apply to fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), beyond territorial waters.
• Annual ban: A uniform 61-day fishing ban is prescribed for all motorized and mechanized vessels in 2026.
• East Coast period: April 15 to June 14.
• West Coast period: June 1 to July 31.
• Exemption: Traditional non-motorized fishing units are exempted.

NGT Jurisdiction and Coastal Aquaculture

Jurisdiction over coastal aquaculture disputes was clarified by the Madras High Court in M/S. Golden Marine Harvest vs The National Green Tribunal on June 1, 2026. The case concerned a closure order issued by the NGT against coastal shrimp hatcheries.

• Court finding: The High Court quashed the NGT’s closure order.
• Reason: The court held that the NGT lacks jurisdiction over aquaculture disputes because the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005 is excluded from Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010.
• Further action: The Madras High Court initiated suo motu proceedings under Article 226 of the Constitution to examine ecological concerns.

Key Prelims Takeaways

• CRZ notifications: Issued under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Digital tools: IC-SDSS and PARIVESH 2.0 are key for HTL verification and clearances.
• CZMP approval: Under CRZ 2019, CZMPs are approved for Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala.
• Island plans: ICRZPs have been approved for Great Nicobar and Little Andaman.
• Coastal shipping reform: The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 replaces Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• EEZ fishing ban: The ban is 61 days, with separate East and West Coast periods.
• NGT limitation: The Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005 is not in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010.