THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 9, 2026

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday said sustainable fishing was a "moral responsibility" and stressed that economic growth in the fisheries sector must go hand in hand with the conservation of marine resources, as he launched the national programme for issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas.

The Vice-President also launched the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document and presented Letters of Authorisation for High Seas Fishing to ten Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPPOs) and fishermen from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan described the initiative as the beginning of a new chapter in India's maritime journey, saying it would enable Indian fishermen to sustainably harness the vast potential of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas. He said the programme reflected the collective resolve of the Centre, the Odisha government and fishing communities to usher in a new era of growth, sustainability and prosperity in the fisheries sector.

Noting that India has over 11,000 km of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone spanning nearly 24 lakh sq km, the Vice-President said the country possesses immense marine wealth that remains largely untapped. While fishing activities have traditionally remained close to the shore, he said the new framework would enable Indian fishermen to venture confidently into deep waters for the sustainable harvesting of high-value species such as tuna.

Highlighting the rapid expansion of the fisheries sector, Radhakrishnan said India is now the world's second-largest fish-producing country, contributing around eight per cent to 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 last financial year, he said.

Expressing confidence that the High Seas initiative would further strengthen India's export potential, he said it would also create employment opportunities across the fisheries value chain, including harvesting, processing, cold chain, transportation, packaging, logistics and export services.

The Vice-President said the new framework accords priority to fisheries cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations and Indian fishermen in the issuance of Letters of Authorisation, describing it as a significant step towards empowering coastal communities. He said collective efforts could bring about transformational change in the fisheries sector.

Emphasising the need for responsible utilisation of marine resources, Radhakrishnan said, "sustainable fishing is a moral responsibility," adding that "growth must go hand in hand with conservation" of marine resources. He also highlighted the importance of digital authorisation systems, vessel tracking, international certification and strict compliance with measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Calling upon young people to view fisheries as a modern profession driven by science, technology, innovation and global opportunities, the Vice-President urged institutions to continue supporting fishing communities with knowledge, technology and finance to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The event was attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Odisha Minister of State for Fisheries and MSME Gokulananda Mallik, senior officials of the Centre and the state government, representatives of fisheries institutions, fishermen's organisations and other stakeholders.