Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture

Unit 8- Deep sea fisheries

8.1.3. Needs for a revised deep sea fishing policy
After the acceptance of the Murari Committee Report on the Deep- Sea Fishing Policy (DSFP) in 1996, the DSFP 1991 is not implemental. To facilitate exploitation of resources in the EEZ on a sustainable basis, there is an urgent need to evolve a new DSFP. Without a deep-sea fishing sector, India would lose its stakes in international arena. Formulation of DSFP is also essential from the point of view of global initiatives such as development of a deep-sea fishing sector for Code of Conduct for Responsible fisheries and UNCLOS. India is a signatory to these conventions. Article 62 of UNCLOS indicates that a coastal country must determine its capacity to harvest unexploited resources in the deep-sea and far- sea; as there is possibility that several coastal and landlocked countries may stake a claim to harvest those resources.
Therefore, it is a matter of great urgency that India should formulate an effective and viable DSFP at the earliest. As a part of the policy package, a comprehensive legislation for regulating fishing activities of all types of fishing vessels should be enacted by the parliament. This is also necessary to give effect to the recommendations of the Murari Committee that waters up to 100 nautical miles on the west coast and 50 nautical miles on the east coast in the EEZ (including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands) should be allotted exclusively for exploitation and further expansion of mechanized fishing sector (vessels below 20 m OAL).
The number and type of vessels needed for exploiting deep-sea and far-sea resources should be determined. Such an exercise is imperative to restrict fleet size consistent with resources and their sustainability. The fleet size for each region should be identified by considering length, engine horse power, winch capacity, fish-hold capacity, on board processing facility, fishing systems available onboard and estimate of average catch a single vessel would be able to take. Government would have to promote Indian-owned vessels based on the limits of pre-determined capacity for each region. For acquiring vessels, a system of issuing licenses will have to be introduced, integrated with financing by authorized banks. Government of India could provide a part of the fund for providing loan for acquiring vessels and for working capital. Further, a system of financing a group of vessels to operate from major fishing harbours or ports will facilitate effective monitoring of their activities and ensure prompt loan recoveries.