Vice President Launches High Seas Fisheries Authorisation Programme 2026
On 9 July 2026, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched a national programme for issuing Letters of Authorisation for sustainable fishing on the high seas. Here is a detailed explainer.
On 9 July 2026, the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, launched the national programme for the issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for the Sustainable Harnessing of High Seas Fisheries. The initiative marks an important step in regulating and expanding India's presence in deep-sea and high-seas fishing in a responsible manner.
The high seas are parts of the ocean that lie beyond any country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — generally beyond 200 nautical miles from the coast — and do not belong to any single nation. Fishing in these international waters requires proper authorisation to ensure it is legal, sustainable and does not harm marine ecosystems.
Through the LoA programme, Indian fishing vessels will receive formal permission to operate in the high seas under conditions that promote sustainable fishing practices. This helps India tap into new fishery resources, boost the blue economy, increase exports and create livelihoods, while complying with international commitments on responsible fishing.
The move aligns with global efforts to prevent Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and to protect ocean biodiversity. By formalising authorisation, India can better track its high-seas fleet, ensure conservation norms are followed, and strengthen its role in international ocean governance.
Key Points (मुख्य बिंदु)
- Programme: Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of High Seas Fisheries
- Launched by: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan
- Date: 9 July 2026
- High seas: Ocean areas beyond national EEZ (beyond ~200 nautical miles)
- Goal: Sustainable deep-sea/high-seas fishing, boost blue economy, curb IUU fishing
📝 Exam Focus (परीक्षा की दृष्टि से महत्वपूर्ण)
- The High Seas Fisheries Authorisation programme was launched by VP C. P. Radhakrishnan.
- It issues Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for sustainable high-seas fishing.
- High seas lie beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), ~200 nautical miles.
- Aim: sustainable fishing, blue economy growth and curbing IUU fishing.
