Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan launched the national programme for issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas on Thursday, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime development.
At the event in Bhubaneswar, the Vice-President unveiled the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document and distributed LoAs to ten Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPPOs) and fishermen from across India. He said the initiative opens a new chapter in India’s maritime journey by enabling fishermen to sustainably harness marine resources beyond coastal waters.
Radhakrishnan highlighted India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of nearly 24 lakh sq km and a coastline of 11,000 km, much of which remains underutilised. He said the new framework will help fishermen venture into deeper waters to harvest high-value species such as tuna, strengthening India’s position as the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation.
The Vice-President noted that the fisheries sector supports three crore livelihoods and contributes ₹73,000 crore in seafood exports annually. He said the High Seas initiative will boost exports and create jobs across the fisheries value chain—from harvesting and processing to logistics and packaging.
He emphasised that sustainable fishing is a moral responsibility, urging strict adherence to digital authorisation, vessel tracking, and international certification to prevent illegal fishing. Radhakrishnan called on youth to view fisheries as a technology-driven profession aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The event was attended by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Dharmendra Pradhan, and S.P. Singh Baghel, and other dignitaries.
