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Centre notifies 34 fisheries clusters & new EEZ rules to boost seafood exports
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Saturday, 21 March, 2026, 15 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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In a major push to modernise India’s blue economy, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has notified 34 specialised fisheries clusters across the country. This initiative, part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), includes a dedicated Tuna cluster in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, aimed at addressing infrastructure gaps and integrating global market networks.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (alias Lalan Singh) informed the Rajya Sabha recently that these clusters are designed to catalyse private sector participation and update aquaculture infrastructure. This development follows the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement, which outlined the integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars nationwide to maximise the sector's potential.
A landmark shift in maritime policy was also highlighted. Under the recently notified Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025, and new guidelines for High Seas fishing, fish caught by Indian-flagged vessels in the EEZ or High Seas will now be treated as "Indian Origin."
Crucially, when these catches are landed at Indian ports, they will be exempt from import duties, ensuring higher profit margins for local fishers. Conversely, catches landed at foreign ports will be classified as exports, facilitating smoother trade and international market access.
To ensure global compliance and higher market value, the government has integrated the ReALCRaft portal for the online issuance of MPEDA Catch Certificates and EIC Health Certificates. This move guarantees full traceability of Indian seafood, making it more competitive in international markets.
Furthermore, the new guidelines facilitate mid-sea transshipment through a "mother-child vessel" model, allowing smaller boats to transfer their catch to larger vessels without returning to shore immediately. These reforms represent a strategic effort to enhance the income of fishers while positioning India as a global leader in sustainable seafood production.
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