Government plans law to regulate marine fisheries beyond 12 nautical miles

The government will put in place a regulatory framework to manage fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEC) of India, according to a release from the department of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries under the ministry of agriculture.

`The Marine Fisheries (Regulation and Management) Act' is at the draft stage at present and the government plans to hold detailed discussions with stakeholders before enacting it into law.

The enactment of the legislation has been held up following concerns expressed in certain quarters about the proposed legislation, the release said.

Some state governments are apprehensive that the new law will enable the centre to encroach upon the jurisdiction of the state governments. There are also concerns that the legislation would adversely affect the livelihood of traditional fishermen by allowing foreign fishing vessels to fish in the territorial waters of the country.

"It must be emphasised that the proposed legislation will not encroach upon the jurisdiction of state governments in any way. The states and UTs will continue to enforce the provisions of their respective State Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts in their respective jurisdictions. These Acts not only provide for mandatory legislation and licensing of fishing vessels in territorial waters, but also prescribe stringent conditions with respect to fishing practices," the release said.

"However, there is no such legal or regulatory framework to govern fishing in the EEZ waters beyond 12 nautical miles and up to 200 nautical miles, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Government of India," the release noted.