Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister, MoFAHD, Launches Digital Access Pass For Fishing In India’s EEZ

In a move aimed at modernising India’s marine fisheries governance, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, on February 20 launched a fully digital and free Access Pass system for fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The launch took place at KCC Ground in Veraval, Gujarat, in the presence of senior Union and State officials, representatives of fisheries cooperatives, and thousands of fishers from across coastal India.

The Access Pass is designed to simplify and regulate offshore fishing in India’s EEZ through an entirely online process. The initiative seeks to improve transparency, strengthen traceability, and ultimately enhance incomes for Indian fishers operating in deeper waters.

The event saw participation from representatives of 24 fisheries cooperatives across all coastal States and Union Territories. More than 2,000 stakeholders attended in person, while participants from over 500 locations joined virtually, including Fisheries Cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs).

During the programme, the Minister handed over Access Passes to 37 fishermen representing 24 cooperative societies from across coastal India. Safety kits comprising life jackets, high-beam torches, and GPS devices were also distributed to support safer offshore operations. Additionally, newly formed fisheries cooperatives in Gujarat received financial grants of ₹2 lakh each.

Addressing the gathering, Singh described the initiative as a milestone in building a modern, sustainable, and fisher-centric framework for India’s vast EEZ. He emphasised that the rules were framed after extensive consultations with fishermen’s associations, cooperatives, States, and scientific institutions to ensure inclusivity and long-term viability.

He urged fishermen to organise themselves into cooperatives and apply through the digital portal, highlighting that fish caught by Indian vessels in the EEZ and high seas would be duty-free, as announced in the Union Budget 2026. The Minister also referred to ongoing government investments in safety systems, including vessel transponders for real-time tracking and Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories aimed at improving productivity while safeguarding lives.

Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel underscored that the Access Pass system has been built as a simple and transparent digital mechanism, giving authorised Indian vessels clarity to operate in offshore waters. He reiterated that foreign fishing vessels are strictly prohibited from entering India’s EEZ, safeguarding marine resources and ensuring greater opportunities for Indian fishers.

Minister of State George Kurian described the launch as a step towards advancing India’s marine fisheries sector in line with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He noted that Veraval has been designated a ‘Fishing Harbour Cluster’ under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a move expected to improve efficiency and scale in the sector.

Union Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi pointed out that despite its potential, India’s EEZ remains underutilised. Scientific assessments indicate significant untapped resources, particularly high-value species such as tuna and tuna-like varieties that command strong prices in global markets. He stressed the Department’s focus on sustainable resource management, strengthening fisheries cooperatives, and building capacity across coastal States. Infrastructure initiatives, including the development of a smart and integrated harbour at Jakhau under PMMSY, were also highlighted.

Dr. B.K. Behera, Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), outlined the broader context of fisheries development in Gujarat and acknowledged the leadership driving reforms in the sector.

Senior officials from the Department of Fisheries, State fisheries departments, NFDB, MPEDA, NABARD, NCDC, the Export Inspection Council, fisheries cooperatives, FFPOs, and local fishers were present at the event, marking what the government described as a significant step toward strengthening India’s Blue Economy while prioritising sustainability and fisher welfare.