Deep-Sea Fishing Policy

 Here are the notes on Deep-Sea Fishing Policy:

# I. Timeline of Policies

1. 1977: First deep-sea policy announced, allowing chartering with foreign operators.

2. 1981: Charter Policy introduced, bringing sophisticated foreign fishing vessels.

3. 1991: Deep Sea Fishing Policy introduced, featuring joint ventures, test fishing, and leasing.

4. 1996: Murari Committee formed, recommending sustainable resource management and fishermen protection.

5. 2002: New guidelines for deep-sea fishing announced.

Key Developments in Deep-Sea Fishing Policy:

1. Foreign vessels allowed: Beyond 12 nautical miles in Indian waters.

2. Protests and suspension: Charter and leasing operations suspended in 1997 due to local fishermen's protests.

3. No new licenses: Joint venture companies in EEZ not granted new licenses.

4. Policy scrapped: Deep Sea Fishing Policy, 1991 effectively scrapped in 1997.

# II. Key Features of Policies

1. Chartering: Allowed foreign operators to collaborate with Indian fishermen.

2. Joint Ventures: Encouraged partnerships between Indian and foreign companies.

3. Test Fishing: Permitted experimental fishing to assess deep-sea resources.

4. Leasing: Allowed foreign vessels to operate in Indian waters.

5. Sustainable Management: Aimed to conserve deep-sea resources and protect fishermen's interests.

I. Guidelines for Deep-Sea Fishing

1. 2014: Government of India issued guidelines for fishing operations in Indian EEZ.

2. National Fisheries Development Board: Created guidelines for deep-sea fishing and tuna processing.

# II. Central Government Initiatives

1. Encourages Deep-Sea Fisheries: Promotes developmental activities.

2. 2017 Addendum: Announced guidelines on central plan scheme for "Blue Revolution Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries".

3. Assistance for Deep Sea Fishing: Provided under PMMSY.

# III. PMMSY Scheme

1. Eligibility: Traditional fishermen and societies in coastal states/UTs.

2. Financial Assistance: For deep-sea fishing vessels (18-24m OAL).

3. Subsidy: 50% of actual cost (max. Rs 48 lakhs per vessel).

4. Ceiling: Rs 120 lakhs per vessel.

# III. Important Terms

1. EEZ: Exclusive Economic Zone, where India has special rights over marine resources.

2. Deep-Sea Fishing: Fishing in waters beyond 200 meters depth.

3. Charter Policy: Policy allowing foreign vessels to operate in Indian waters.