National Access Pass for Deep-Sea Fishing: A Step Toward Sustainable Marine Resource Management

On February 20, 2026, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced the national rollout of the Access Pass for deep-sea fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This reform operationalizes the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025, providing legal, transparent, and regulated entry for fishers into deeper waters.

Key Highlights

• Coverage: India’s EEZ spans 24 lakh sq km, supported by a coastline of 11,099 km.
• Objective: To unlock under-utilized deep-sea fisheries potential, enhance food security, and generate livelihoods.
• Economic Impact: India exported seafood worth ₹62,408 crore in FY 2024–25, ranking as the world’s second-largest producer of fisheries and aquaculture.
• Empowerment: Traditional fishers and cooperatives gain structured access to high-value marine resources.
• Safety & Regulation: The pass ensures safer, transparent, and better-regulated fishing operations, reducing illegal and unmonitored activity.

This initiative is expected to transform India’s marine economy, balancing sustainability with growth, while positioning the country as a global leader in responsible fisheries management.

Sources: Press Information Bureau, Devdiscourse, The Economic Times