New Delhi, November 8 (IANS). According to information given by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying on Saturday, the Center has introduced rules for ‘Sustainable Use of Fisheries in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)’ towards a prosperous and inclusive marine economy.
According to official information, the new rules give priority to fishermen cooperative societies and fish farmers producer organizations (FFPOs) to carry out deep sea fishing operations and manage technologically advanced vessels.
The EEZ rules will also contribute to enhancing seafood exports by facilitating deep sea fishing with emphasis on value addition, traceability and certification.
According to the ministry, the use of large and small vessels in the island areas of Andaman-Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, covering 49 per cent of India’s EEZ area, will promote export of high quality fish.
Regarding the EEZ rules, it has been said that these rules take a strong stance against harmful fishing methods like LED light fishing, pair trawling and bull trawling to protect the marine ecosystem and ensure equal fishing opportunities.
Under EEZ rules, mechanized and larger motorized vessels will be required to have an access pass, which can be obtained free of charge through the online realcraft portal.
In addition, traditional and small-scale fishermen operating motorized or non-motorized fishing vessels are exempted from obtaining access passes.
According to the ministry, these rules provide for formulation of a National Action Plan on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing to prevent illegal fishing practices in the Indian EEZ to protect the interests of small-scale fishermen.
The government will provide assistance to fishermen and their cooperative societies/FFPOs by providing training programmes, international experience tours.
–IANS
SKT/
