GG News Bureau
Bhubaneswar, 9th July: Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday launched the national programme for issuing Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter in India’s maritime journey. He also unveiled the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document and presented LoAs to 10 Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPPOs) and fishermen from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President said the initiative would enable Indian fishermen to sustainably harness the vast potential of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas. He said the programme reflects the collective commitment of the Centre, state governments and fishing communities to promote growth, sustainability and prosperity in the fisheries sector.
Highlighting India’s maritime strengths, Shri Radhakrishnan said the country has more than 11,000 kilometres of coastline and an EEZ spanning nearly 24 lakh square kilometres. He noted that the new framework would encourage fishermen to venture into deep waters for the sustainable harvesting of high-value species such as tuna.
The Vice President said India is the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing around eight per cent of global fish production. The fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of nearly three crore fishermen and fish farmers, while seafood exports crossed ₹73,000 crore during the last financial year, he added.
He said the High Seas initiative would boost exports and generate employment across harvesting, processing, cold chain, logistics, packaging and related services. He also noted that the new framework gives priority to fisheries cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations and Indian fishermen for the issuance of LoAs.
Calling sustainable fishing a moral responsibility, Shri Radhakrishnan stressed that economic growth must go hand in hand with marine conservation. He underlined the importance of digital authorisation systems, vessel tracking and compliance with international standards to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Urging the youth to view fisheries as a modern profession driven by science, technology and innovation, the Vice President called for continued institutional support through knowledge, technology and finance to help realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The programme was attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of State S. P. Singh Baghel, Odisha Minister Gokulananda Mallik and other senior officials and stakeholders.
