BHUBANESWAR: India has taken a major step towards strengthening its marine fisheries sector and advancing the country’s Blue Economy with the national launch of the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) framework for sustainable deep-sea fishing. The landmark initiative was inaugurated by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan during a national-level programme held at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of the Odisha Deep Sea Fisheries Mission Document (2026–2036), a comprehensive roadmap prepared by the Odisha Government to transform the state’s marine fisheries sector through sustainable resource utilisation, technological innovation and infrastructure development over the next decade.
LoA Framework to Promote Sustainable Deep-Sea Fishing
The newly introduced Letter of Authorisation framework aims to facilitate regulated fishing operations in international waters beyond India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Under the new system, eligible Indian-flagged fishing vessels will be permitted to harvest high-value marine species, including tuna, through a transparent and environmentally sustainable mechanism.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan launched the national programme for issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas at Bhubaneswar today.
On the occasion, he also launched the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document… pic.twitter.com/jN2CuL6vMe
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) July 9, 2026
The initiative is expected to reduce dependence on near-shore fishing while unlocking the vast untapped potential of deep-sea fisheries. It also seeks to enhance marine resource management, strengthen food security, improve nutritional availability and increase India’s seafood export capacity.
According to official data, India exported marine products worth nearly ₹73,890 crore during the financial year 2025–26, reaffirming its position among the world’s leading seafood-exporting nations. At present, most fishing activities remain confined within 40 to 50 nautical miles from the coastline, making the expansion into deeper international waters a significant policy shift.
Authorisations Distributed to Eligible Vessel Owners
The programme, organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, witnessed the distribution of Letters of Authorisation to eligible fishing vessel owners, marine cooperative societies and organisations, including the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL).
The authorisations will enable qualified Indian vessels to legally undertake deep-sea fishing operations beyond India’s EEZ in accordance with international sustainability standards and responsible fisheries management practices.
Vice President Pays Tribute to Odisha’s Maritime Heritage
Addressing the gathering, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan began his speech in Odia by offering his respects to Lord Jagannath, earning appreciation from the audience.
Recalling Odisha’s rich maritime legacy, he referred to the historic Bali Jatra festival and the Boita Bandana tradition as enduring symbols of the state’s ancient seafaring culture and flourishing maritime trade.
He said the newly launched Deep Sea Fisheries Mission represents an effort to revive Odisha’s glorious maritime heritage by combining traditional knowledge with modern science, technological innovation and sustainable marine resource management.
Modern Technology to Transform Fisheries Sector
The Vice President praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in transforming India’s maritime economy and noted that the country’s fishing community continues to play a critical role in strengthening the national economy through its dedication and hard work.
Our fishing communities will power India's Blue Economy : Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan pic.twitter.com/O2WLorGbi1
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) July 9, 2026
He observed that seafood has become one of the world’s most important sources of protein and emphasised that greater adoption of scientific methods, modern fishing technologies and digital systems would substantially improve fishermen’s incomes while making India’s fisheries sector globally competitive.
Transparent Regulatory System for Deep-Sea Fishing
Highlighting the new regulatory framework, the Vice President said obtaining a Letter of Authorisation under the Guidelines for Sustainable Deep-Sea Fishing by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025 will be mandatory for eligible vessels operating in deep international waters.
He explained that each authorisation would be vessel-specific and non-transferable, thereby ensuring transparency, accountability and responsible utilisation of marine resources.
The LoA framework has also been integrated with the ReALCraft Fishing Vessel Registration Portal, enabling online applications, digital approvals, real-time vessel tracking and efficient compliance management.
According to the Vice President, the technology-driven platform will simplify regulatory procedures for fishermen and vessel operators while improving governance, monitoring and operational efficiency.
Beneficiaries from Several Coastal States Receive LoAs
During the programme, the Vice President distributed Letters of Authorisation to beneficiaries from several coastal states, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Among the recipients were representatives of marine cooperative societies and fishing vessel operators from Paradip in Odisha and other important coastal regions.
The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s regulated presence in international waters while ensuring sustainable and responsible harvesting of marine resources.
A New Chapter in India’s Maritime Journey
The Vice President described the initiative as the beginning of a new chapter in India’s maritime development.
He said the programme reflects the collective commitment of the Union Government, state governments and fishing communities to promote sustainable fisheries while creating new opportunities for economic growth and employment.
India possesses more than 11,000 kilometres of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone spanning nearly 2.4 million square kilometres, offering enormous marine wealth that remains underutilised.
While traditional fishing has largely remained confined to coastal waters, the new framework will enable Indian fishermen to confidently venture into deeper seas to sustainably harvest high-value fish species such as tuna.
India’s Fisheries Sector Continues to Expand
Highlighting the remarkable growth of the fisheries sector, the Vice President said India is currently the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation, accounting for nearly eight per cent of global fish production.
The sector supports the livelihoods of nearly three crore fishermen and fish farmers, while seafood exports crossed ₹73,000 crore during the previous financial year.
He expressed confidence that the High Seas Fishing initiative would further strengthen India’s export potential while creating employment opportunities across the fisheries value chain, including harvesting, seafood processing, cold-chain infrastructure, transportation, packaging, logistics and export services.
Priority for Cooperatives and Fishing Communities
The Vice President said the new policy framework gives priority to fisheries cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and Indian fishermen in the allocation of Letters of Authorisation.
He described the initiative as a major step towards empowering coastal communities and strengthening cooperative institutions, adding that coordinated efforts by governments, scientific organisations and fishermen can transform India’s marine fisheries sector.
Balancing Growth with Marine Conservation
Emphasising the importance of sustainable development, the Vice President said economic growth must go hand in hand with the conservation of marine biodiversity.
He stressed the need for digital authorisation systems, vessel monitoring mechanisms, international certification standards and strict compliance with measures to prevent Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
According to him, responsible fishing practices are essential to preserving marine ecosystems while ensuring long-term economic benefits for future generations.
Call for Youth Participation in Fisheries
Urging young people to view fisheries as a modern, technology-driven profession, the Vice President said the sector now offers immense opportunities in scientific research, innovation, entrepreneurship and global trade.
He called upon educational institutions, research organisations, financial institutions and industry stakeholders to continue supporting fishing communities through skill development, technological interventions, knowledge-sharing and easier access to finance.
Concluding his address, the Vice President expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the Central Government, state governments, scientific institutions and fishing communities would transform India’s marine fisheries sector into a globally competitive, sustainable and inclusive industry.
He said initiatives such as the Letter of Authorisation Framework and the Odisha Deep Sea Fisheries Mission would play a pivotal role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, while generating employment, increasing exports and ensuring sustainable prosperity for millions of coastal families across the country.
Governor Highlights Importance of LoA Programme
Speaking at the event, Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati said India’s vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) provide livelihoods to nearly 50 million people associated with the fisheries sector. He expressed confidence that the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) programme would strengthen the economic condition of fishing communities across the country while providing significant benefits to coastal states such as Odisha.
Participated in the National Launch of the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas in the gracious presence of Hon’ble Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan.
The programme was attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha… pic.twitter.com/TFyAwiFutv
— Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati (@DrHariBabuK) July 9, 2026
Chief Minister Welcomes National Launch from Odisha
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi welcomed Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and the Union Ministers to the sacred land of Lord Jagannath on behalf of the people of Odisha. He described the national launch of the LoA programme from Odisha as a matter of pride for the state and said the initiative marks a historic step towards the sustainable utilisation of marine resources by Indian-flagged fishing vessels in international waters.
ସ୍ଥାୟୀ ସାମୁଦ୍ରିକ ମତ୍ସ୍ୟ ସମ୍ପଦର ସୁବିନିଯୋଗ ପାଇଁ "ଲେଟର ଅଫ୍ ଅଥରାଇଜେସନ୍ (LoA)" ପ୍ରଦାନର ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ଶୁଭାରମ୍ଭ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମରେ ମାନ୍ୟବର ଉପରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପତି ଶ୍ରୀ ସି. ପି. ରାଧାକ୍ରିଷ୍ଣନଜୀ, ମାନ୍ୟବର ରାଜ୍ୟପାଳ ଡକ୍ଟର ହରି ବାବୁ କମ୍ଭମପାଟିଜୀ ଏବଂ ସମ୍ମାନିତ କେନ୍ଦ୍ରମନ୍ତ୍ରୀମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ଯୋଗଦେଲି। ଏହି ଅବସରରେ ବିଭିନ୍ନ… pic.twitter.com/GLbon0TuwF
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) July 9, 2026
The Chief Minister observed that the sea is not merely a geographical boundary for Odisha but the lifeline of nearly 600,000 marine fishermen. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for ushering in a new era of deep-sea fishing and maritime development in India.
Access Pass Initiative Paves the Way
Highlighting recent achievements, Majhi said the Access Pass system for fishing within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone was launched from Veraval, Gujarat, in December 2025. Since then, nearly 5,000 fishermen have received access passes, including 866 fishermen from Odisha.
He said the next phase has now commenced with the issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for fishing in international waters. During the programme, eight fishermen from Odisha received LoAs, while approval was also granted for two Deep Sea Fishing Vessels (DSFVs) under the Chief Minister’s Agricultural Enterprise Scheme to undertake fishing operations within India’s EEZ.
Odisha Targets Leadership in Marine Fisheries
The Chief Minister said India’s vast 2.4 million square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone offers immense opportunities for Indian fishermen and asserted that Odisha is well-positioned to emerge as a leading marine fisheries hub.
ସ୍ଥାୟୀ ସାମୁଦ୍ରିକ ମତ୍ସ୍ୟ ସମ୍ପଦର ସୁବିନିଯୋଗ ପାଇଁ "ଲେଟର ଅଫ୍ ଅଥରାଇଜେସନ୍ (LoA)" ପ୍ରଦାନର ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ଶୁଭାରମ୍ଭ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମରେ ମାନ୍ୟବର ଉପରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପତି ଶ୍ରୀ ସି. ପି. ରାଧାକ୍ରିଷ୍ଣନଜୀ, ମାନ୍ୟବର ରାଜ୍ୟପାଳ ଡକ୍ଟର ହରି ବାବୁ କମ୍ଭମପାଟିଜୀ ଏବଂ ସମ୍ମାନିତ କେନ୍ଦ୍ରମନ୍ତ୍ରୀମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ଯୋଗଦେଲି। ଏହି ଅବସରରେ ବିଭିନ୍ନ… pic.twitter.com/GLbon0TuwF
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) July 9, 2026
Presenting the state’s long-term Blue Economy vision, he announced the launch of the Odisha Deep Sea Fisheries Mission, aligned with Odisha Vision 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047. The mission aims to maximise the potential of Odisha’s 575-kilometre coastline through modern infrastructure, scientific fisheries management and technological advancement.
Modern Fisheries Infrastructure Planned
Majhi announced that the state government plans to establish modern fish landing centres, wholesale fish markets and aqua parks at Paradip, Dhamra, Gopalpur, Chandipur and Astaranga.
The mission also envisages complete digitisation of the fisheries sector through the ReALCraft portal, ensuring transparent, technology-driven governance and streamlined services for fishermen.
In addition, the state will strengthen fisheries cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) while investing in scientific fisheries management, value-chain development, modern infrastructure and enhanced market connectivity.
According to the roadmap, Odisha plans to deploy 150 new state-of-the-art deep-sea fishing vessels over the next decade and modernise 500 existing fishing vessels, significantly boosting fish production, exports and fishermen’s incomes.
Pradhan Highlights Blue Economy as a Key Driver of Odisha’s Economic Growth
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the Odisha Deep Sea Fisheries Mission will significantly strengthen the state’s rural economy by harnessing the immense potential of the Blue Economy and creating new livelihood opportunities for thousands of fishing families.
‘ଓଡ଼ିଶା ଗଭୀର ସମୁଦ୍ର ମାଛଧରା ମିଶନ’ ଦ୍ୱାରା ବ୍ଲୁ-ଇକୋନୋମି ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ରାଜ୍ୟର ଗ୍ରାମୀଣ ଅର୍ଥନୀତି ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ହେବ ଓ ହଜାର ହଜାର ମତ୍ସ୍ୟଜୀବୀ ପରିବାର ପାଇଁ ନୂତନ ଜୀବିକା ସୃଷ୍ଟି ହେବ । ଏହି ନୂତନ ବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥା ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆମର ମତ୍ସ୍ୟଜୀବୀ ସମବାୟ ସମିତିଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସିଧାସଳଖ ଉପକୃତ ହେବେ । ଆମ ରାଜ୍ୟର ୧ କୋଟି ପରିବାରଙ୍କ କଲ୍ୟାଣ ତଥା… pic.twitter.com/wvwIgGA7vE
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 9, 2026
Pradhan credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for bringing about transformational reforms in India’s fisheries sector since 2014. Despite global economic challenges, he said India recorded an increase of over ₹11,000 crore in seafood exports within a year, registering 21 per cent export growth.
According to the Minister, this remarkable growth is strengthening India’s economy while contributing significantly towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Odisha Has Immense Untapped Potential
Comparing Odisha’s fisheries sector with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Pradhan noted that although Odisha has a 575-kilometre coastline and comparable inland water resources, the state currently produces only around 1.2 million metric tonnes of fish annually, compared to nearly 4.5 million metric tonnes produced by Andhra Pradesh.
He described the production gap as both a challenge and an opportunity, stating that Odisha possesses enormous potential to expand fish production through strategic investments and institutional reforms.
Focus on Cooperatives and Rural Infrastructure
To bridge this gap, the Union Minister stressed the need to strengthen the cooperative sector, improve rural infrastructure and road connectivity, and develop dedicated policies for fish-producing organisations.
He said the Central and Odisha Governments are committed to transforming the fisheries sector under the double-engine government model with the objective of improving the welfare of nearly one crore families across the state.
Digital LoA System to Benefit Fishermen
Pradhan described the launch of the Letter of Authorisation system for Indian-flagged fishing vessels as a historic initiative that would modernise and empower India’s fishing community.
He informed that the Central Government has upgraded the ReALCraft digital platform, enabling fishermen and vessel owners to obtain their LoAs entirely online by paying a nominal fee, thereby eliminating cumbersome paperwork and ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.
The Minister said the platform reflects the success of the Digital India and Ease of Doing Business initiatives by providing technology-driven governance and simplified service delivery.
Calling upon Odisha’s fishing community to actively participate in the state’s marine development, Pradhan urged fishermen, fisheries cooperatives and related organisations to work together towards making Odisha a leading fisheries and seafood-exporting state.
Centre Reaffirms Commitment to Marine Fisheries
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh outlined the Centre’s policy initiatives for transforming India’s marine fisheries sector. He said the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has introduced comprehensive policy reforms to promote sustainable utilisation of marine resources through modern technology, scientific regulation and responsible governance.
Senior Dignitaries Attend National Programme
The national event was attended by several senior dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Odisha Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, senior officials from coastal states, representatives of fisheries cooperatives and FFPOs, distinguished marine entrepreneurs, award recipients and a large number of fishermen from across the country.
