The Government of India has taken a significant step in recognizing the importance of fisheries as a state subject. This move is aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and conserving marine biodiversity. The country’s coastal states and union territories are now issuing fishing licenses and registering fishing vessels under their respective Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs) and the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, using a web-enabled application called “ReALCraft”. **Key Features of Fisheries as a State Subject**
• Issuance of fishing licenses and registration of fishing vessels under MFRAs and the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. • Mandatory use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) to conserve marine turtles. • Prohibition of harmful fishing methods such as bull or paired trawling and use of artificial light or LED light for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India. • Issuance of Government Orders (GOs) prohibiting destructive fishing methods and temporary suspension or cancellation of fishing vessel licenses. • Support for traditional fishermen through the Pradhan Mantri Matysa Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme. **Mandatory Use of TEDs**
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has advised all coastal states and union territories to review and amend their respective MFRAs to ensure the mandatory use of TEDs towards marine turtle conservation. As of now, nine coastal states, namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, have amended their MFRAs to mandate TED use. The union territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep do not permit fishing using bottom trawl. **Implementation of PMMSY**
The Pradhan Mantri Matysa Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme provides 100% financial assistance (60% Central + 40% State) for the implementation of TEDs and other components. The Government of India has prohibited the use of harmful fishing methods such as bull or paired trawling and artificial light or LED light for fishing in the EEZ of India. All maritime states and union territories have been advised to take necessary steps to prevent pair or bull trawling and use of LED light for fishing within and beyond the territorial waters. **Support for Traditional Fishermen**
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has introduced components under PMMSY to provide financial assistance to traditional fishermen for the promotion of resource-specific deep-sea fishing in all coastal states and union territories. The scheme also provides support for the up-gradation of existing fishing vessels for export competency. **Enhancing Fish Stocks and Livelihoods**
Under PMMSY, the Government of India has extended support for activities such as sea ranching and installation of artificial reefs along the entire coastline of India. This initiative aims to enhance fish stocks and support the livelihood of fishers.
| Component | Objective | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Support for acquisition of Deep-Sea Fishing vessels | To promote resource-specific deep-sea fishing | Financial assistance for traditional fishermen |
| Up-gradation of existing fishing vessels | To enhance export competency | Improved fishing efficiency and livelihoods |
| Sea ranching and installation of artificial reefs | To enhance fish stocks and support livelihoods | Improved fish populations and sustainable livelihoods |
The Government of India’s recognition of fisheries as a state subject is a significant step towards promoting sustainable fishing practices and conserving marine biodiversity. By issuing fishing licenses and registering fishing vessels, the country’s coastal states and union territories are taking proactive measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of its marine resources. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of sustainable fishing practices, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to protect the marine ecosystem and ensure the livelihoods of fishers. With the implementation of PMMSY and the recognition of fisheries as a state subject, India is poised to take a significant leap forward in its efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and conserve marine biodiversity. It is essential that we continue to support and promote sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of our marine resources.
“We must recognize the importance of fisheries as a state subject and work together to protect the marine ecosystem and ensure the livelihoods of fishers.”
By working together, we can ensure that India’s marine resources continue to thrive for generations to come. Let us continue to promote sustainable fishing practices and conserve marine biodiversity to ensure the long-term sustainability of our marine resources.
Key Takeaways
• Fisheries is recognized as a state subject in India. • Mandatory use of TEDs to conserve marine turtles. • Prohibition of harmful fishing methods such as bull or paired trawling and use of artificial light or LED light for fishing in the EEZ of India. • Support for traditional fishermen through the PMMSY scheme. • Implementation of PMMSY and recognition of fisheries as a state subject to promote sustainable fishing practices and conserve marine biodiversity.
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