VP launches Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for Sustainable Harnessing of High Seas Fisheries; Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission document released
The Centre has operationalised a national authorisation system for Indian-flagged vessels to fish in the Exclusive Economic Zone and high seas.
AI generatedThe Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for sustainable harnessing of fisheries in the high seas has been launched nationally, along with the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document. The step matters because it converts a policy announcement in the Union Budget 2025–26 into an operational framework for Indian-flagged vessels to fish in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas under regulated conditions.
Earlier, high-seas fishing by Indian vessels lacked a dedicated national authorisation system of this kind. The new framework is designed to be vessel-specific, non-transferable, digitally tracked, and linked with the ReALCraft Fishing Vessel Registration Portal. It also requires compliance with conservation and management measures of relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).
What was launched
UPSC may test the LoA as a governance tool that links resource access, traceability, sustainability, cooperative participation, and export growth. The issue also connects with marine resource management, federal coordination, and India’s Blue Economy strategy.
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