Utilisation of Fisheries of Indian EEZ : Policy Aspects

-Investment Constraints led to Foreign Vessel (LoP) Induction?

              It is axiomatic that the fisheries resources of the Indian EEZ, estimated at 3.9 million tonnes, will have to be utilised in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the nation. Out of the aforesaid estimated resource potential, the latest known annual status of its exploitation level is close to 3.20 million t (around 88%). The strength of India’s present fishing fleet owned by Indian enterprises and capable of fishing in deeper waters beyond territorial zone of EEZ to a certain distance offshore is of two categories, those of over 20 m OAL and above, and of 15-16 m OAL. Those of former category consist of around 40 nos. There are 70 vessels of the other category (of 15-16 m OAL). In other words, the total fleet strength of Indian owned vessels as mentioned above can be reckoned as 100 nos, as some of them (around 10 nos) are non-operational. So far as foreign vessels being operated in the Indian EEZ under the Indian LoP (Letter of Permission) system by Indian enterprises concerned, the latest known strength of these vessels is 92 nos, of 35 m OAL and above, each of which can be deemed to be equivalent to the average capacities of about five presently operated Indian owned larger vessels. The present annual output (of around 3.2 million t) is believed to be taken mostly from the terrilorial waters by the mechanised and non-mechanised fishing boats, besides the 100 nos of larger vessels. Here, it has to be mentioned that there can be reservations to concur with this surmise for the reason that there are frequent reports of illegal fishing in the Indian EEZ and the present output of around 3.2 million t mentioned may not include illegal catches. The quantities that are covered by the illegal fishing that may be taking place can be substantial. While the estimate of the fisheries resources of the Indian EEZ (3.9 million t) has a factual basis, many express reservations saying that it is hard to believe that out of 3.9 million t of the estimated resource of Indian EEZ, as much as nearly 3.20 million t are being exploited by the Indian owned fishing fleet, considering that very few of the EEZ’s farther sea fishing vessels of real Indian ownership and also of LoP authorisation are now operating beyond the territorial waters of the Indian EEZ. The share of exploited fishery of Indian EEZ by these vessels, big or small, can be estimated only from their fishery exploitation levels. Information concerning this could not be ascertained. more