Vice President Launches High Seas Fisheries Authorisation

On 9 July 2026, the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, launched the national programme for the issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He also launched the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document (2026-2036), and the event was organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India.

Letters of Authorisation

The Letter of Authorisation is a mandatory provision under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025. The LoA is vessel-specific, non-transferable, and linked with the ReALCraft Fishing Vessel Registration Portal for regulated operations in high seas fisheries.

High Seas Fisheries Framework

High seas fisheries refer to fishing activities beyond national jurisdiction in ocean areas outside the exclusive economic zone of a coastal State. The Indian framework for high seas fishing uses digital processing, online verification, and time-bound approval for vessel authorisation.

Institutional and Cooperative Participation

The programme distributed LoAs to fisheries cooperative societies and fishing vessel owners, including National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL). The initiative is linked with Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives for participation in deep-sea and high-seas fishing.

Important Facts for Exams

• The exclusive economic zone of a coastal State generally extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
• Indian-flagged fishing vessels operate under national rules for registration, monitoring, and authorisation.
• The ReALCraft Fishing Vessel Registration Portal is used for digital registration and traceability of fishing vessels.
• Fisheries cooperatives and FFPOs are institutional mechanisms used in India’s fisheries sector.

Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission

The Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document covers the period 2026 to 2036. The document is associated with deep-sea fishing development in Odisha and with regulated access to high-value marine resources.