Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
About the Rules
- Union Government notified rules for ‘Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)’.
- Give priority to fishermen cooperative societies and fish farmer producer organizations (FFPOs) for undertaking deep-sea fishing operations.
- Managing technologically advanced vessels: EEZ rules will facilitate deep-sea fishing and enhance seafood exports through value addition.
- Emphasizing traceability and certification: Union Fisheries Ministry stated initiative expected to open new horizons for marine fisheries sector.
Definition of Operator
- “Operator” defined as individual or enterprise, or FFPOs or Fisheries Cooperatives (including multi-state cooperatives) controlling vessel operation.
- Assumed responsibility for its operation ensuring clear accountability and management structure for fishing vessels comprehensively.
Capacity Building
- Centre would take steps to provide training and capacity-building of traditional and small-scale fishers including cooperatives.
- Self Help Groups and FFPOs to enhance skills for deep-sea fishing and value-chain efficiencies ensuring inclusive participation.
Mother-Child Vessel Concept
- Initiative expected to create modern infrastructure and introduce mother-and-child vessel concept allowing mid-sea transshipment under monitoring.
- Effective monitoring mechanism of RBI regulations ensuring compliance and accountability in transshipment operations comprehensively.
- Island regions (Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep) together account for 49% of India’s EEZ area showing strategic importance.
- Use of mother-child vessels will give boost to export of high-quality fish from island regions ensuring economic benefits.
Industry Concerns
- Seafood Exporters Association spokesman stated rules should define juvenile and illegal fishing ensuring clear regulatory framework.
- Juvenile fishing refers to the harvesting of immature fish that have not yet had a chance to reproduce (spawn).
- Illegal fishing is a broader term for any fishing activity that violates national, regional, or international laws and regulations.
- Must ensure proper catch certification provided by Marine Products Export Development Authority ensuring quality and traceability.
- Need proper catch certification: country must promote sustainable fishing practices to help get new markets ensuring export competitiveness.
Environmental Protection
- EEZ Rules take firm stand against harmful fishing practices: LED light fishing, pair trawling, bull trawling protecting marine ecosystem.
- Ensure equitable fishing opportunities: to conserve biodiversity, minimum legal size for fish species will be prescribed.
- Fisheries Management Plans developed in consultation with stakeholders including State governments to restore declining fish stocks ensuring sustainability.
Alternate Livelihoods
- Mariculture practices like sea-cage farming and seaweed cultivation will be promoted as alternate livelihoods reducing fishing pressure.
- Reduce pressure in nearshore areas while increasing production without compromising environmental integrity ensuring ecological balance comprehensively.
Q- Examine the environmental concerns related to deep-sea fishing and the measures introduced to curb harmful practices. (10 Marks)