Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), 2025
Context:
On February 20, 2026, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Access Pass for Fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at Veraval, Gujarat.
This follows the notification of the "Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules, 2025" on November 4, 2025.
Key Features of the 2025 Rules:
The rules aim to unlock the untapped potential of India's marine sector, fulfilling the Budget 2025-26 announcement to create an enabling framework for sustainable fisheries in the EEZ and High Seas.
There is a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.
The framework gives priority to Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) for undertaking deep-sea fishing operations and managing technologically advanced vessels.
While current fishing is largely confined to 40-50 nautical miles from the coast, the rules target the under-utilized vast EEZ (spanning nearly 24 lakh sq km) to harness high-value oceanic resources like tuna.
About the Access Pass and ReALCRaft Portal:
Access Pass:
It is a completely online and free-of-cost pass designed to ensure enhanced access, traceability, and higher incomes for fishers.
Exemptions:
Around 2.38 lakh fishing vessels registered on the ReALCRaft portal (including motorized boats and non-motorized traditional crafts) are exempted from obtaining these Access Passes.
However, approximately 64,187 mechanized fishing vessels are required to obtain Access Passes for EEZ operations.
ReALCRaft Portal:
This is a national online platform providing citizen-centric services like vessel registration and ownership transfer to marine fishers.