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National launch of access pass for deep-sea fishing in India’s exclusive economic zone
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Friday, 27 February, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying recently unveiled a major initiative to expand India’s marine fisheries sector by issuing Access Passes for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — a move expected to open vast new opportunities for fishers and boost seafood exports. The launch took place at KCC Ground in Veraval, Gujarat, where the Union Minister handed over Access Passes to 37 fishermen representing 24 fisheries cooperative societies from across India.
India’s EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, encompassing nearly 24 lakh sq km of ocean. Currently, most fishing activity occurs within 40–50 nautical miles of the shore, leaving a significant portion of high-value oceanic resources under-utilised — including tuna and tuna-like species with strong export potential. Recognising this opportunity, the government included an enabling framework in the Union Budget 2025-26 to sustainably harness these marine resources through a dedicated policy and legal foundation.
Under the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025, notified in November 2025, the Access Pass has been introduced as a key tool to facilitate responsible and regulated deep-sea fishing. The pass enables Indian fishers to transition from near-shore to deep-sea operations, enhances their incomes through higher catches and better market prices, and supports export-friendly practices such as traceability and certification.
The Access Passes are issued free of cost via the digital ReALCRaft portal, which also streamlines vessel registration, licensing, and related services. Integrated with the Marine Products Export Development Authority and the Export Inspection Council, ReALCRaft helps ensure compliance with global standards, strengthening India’s competitiveness in international seafood markets.
Government officials said the initiative will help organise fishers into cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), promote sustainable harvesting practices, and significantly improve livelihoods for coastal communities.
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