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Govt promotes deep-sea fishing with incentives, training & vessel support
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Monday, 16 March, 2026, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Government of India is actively promoting deep-sea fishing through policy reforms, financial assistance and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving fishermen’s income and strengthening marine fisheries production.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules, 2025 were notified to regulate fishing operations in India’s EEZ and promote sustainable marine resource utilization. Under these rules, access passes are issued to mechanized fishing vessels and motorised fishing boats measuring 24 metres or more, as well as vessels engaged in tuna fishing.
As of March 5, 2026, a total of 707 access passes have been issued through the ReALCraft online portal to fishing vessels from various coastal states and Union Territories. Gujarat accounted for the highest number with 274 vessels, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 162 vessels.
The government estimates that the potential fish yield in India’s EEZ is about 53.1 lakh tonnes, including an estimated 3.65 lakh tonnes along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Marine fish production in the state over the past five years has ranged between 5.54 lakh tonnes and 6.51 lakh tonnes, including mariculture and deep-sea fishing.
To strengthen fishermen’s capabilities, the government is also focusing on training and skill development under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The National Fisheries Development Board, in collaboration with the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET), has trained over 8,040 fishermen in deep-sea fishing techniques and onboard fish handling practices.
Additionally, the Fishery Survey of India has conducted specialized training programmes on modern navigation, longline fishing techniques and safety at sea, including the use of GPS, echo sounders and advanced fishing equipment.
The government has also provided financial assistance for acquiring deep-sea fishing vessels and upgrading existing trawlers. In Andhra Pradesh alone, 50 deep-sea fishing vessels have been approved under PMMSY with a project cost of Rs 6,000 lakh, supported by financial assistance of Rs 1,526.4 lakh from the central government.
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