New digital system aims to expand deep-sea fishing, improve fisher safety and create opportunities for seafood processing and exports

Key Highlights

• 9,650 Access Passes issued to fishing vessels as of August 5, 2026.
• Passes enable eligible vessels to undertake fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) beyond 12 nautical miles.
• Karnataka leads with 2,563 passes, followed by Gujarat with 2,524 and Andhra Pradesh with 1,952.
• Traditional non-motorized and small artisanal fishing boats are exempt from the Access Pass requirement.
• Fish caught by Indian vessels in the EEZ or High Seas will be duty-free under measures announced in Union Budget 2026-27.
• Access Passes are digitally linked with MPEDA and the Export Inspection Council for catch and health certification and traceability.
• Integration with Nabhmitra and satellite-based systems provides weather, cyclone, tsunami, navigation and fishing-zone alerts.

Digital Access Pass Opens New Deep-Sea Fishing Opportunities

India has issued 9,650 digital Access Passes under the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules, 2025, enabling eligible fishing vessels to operate beyond 12 nautical miles in India’s EEZ.

The free digital pass is issued through the ReALCRaft Portal and is designed to support traditional fishers, fisheries cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) in expanding into deep-sea fishing.

The latest figures were provided by Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Rajya Sabha.

Karnataka and Gujarat Account for Nearly Half the Passes

As of August 5, 2026, Karnataka had the highest number of Access Passes at 2,563, followed by Gujarat with 2,524 and Andhra Pradesh with 1,952.

Other major numbers include:

State/UT	Access Passes
Karnataka	2,563
Gujarat	2,524
Andhra Pradesh	1,952
Odisha	887
Maharashtra	627
Daman & Diu	372
Lakshadweep	257
Kerala	256
Goa	87
Andaman & Nicobar Islands	52
Puducherry	46
West Bengal	21
Tamil Nadu	6
Total	9,650

Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh together account for more than 7,000 Access Passes, highlighting the strong participation of major coastal fishing states in the deep-sea fishing framework.

Small Artisanal Fishers Exempt

The Access Pass is mandatory for mechanised fishing vessels and large motorised boats exceeding 24 metres operating in India’s EEZ.

However, traditional non-motorised vessels and small artisanal fishing crafts are exempted, with the government stating that the exemption is intended to protect local livelihoods.

The broader objective is to help eligible fishers and fisheries organisations access underutilised oceanic resources, expand deep-sea operations and develop new income opportunities through processing and seafood exports.

EEZ Fish to Get Export Boost

The Access Pass initiative comes alongside a major seafood trade measure announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.

Fish caught by Indian fishing vessels in the EEZ or High Seas will be duty-free, while landings at foreign ports will be treated as exports of goods, subject to safeguards against misuse during transit or transshipment.

The government has subsequently amended the Customs Act, 1962 to implement the duty-free treatment for fish caught in the EEZ.

This could make deep-sea fishing more commercially attractive while strengthening India’s seafood export supply chain.

Digital Traceability Connects Fishers With Export Systems

The Access Pass system is linked with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Export Inspection Council (EIC).

The integration is intended to facilitate catch and health certificates and strengthen traceability and eco-labelling—important requirements for international seafood markets.

The government is also working with the Ministry of Cooperation through a Joint Working Group to strengthen small-scale fishers, fisheries cooperatives and FFPOs in deep-sea fishing, post-harvest handling, processing and exports.

Under PMMSY, the National Cooperative Development Corporation has supported acquisition of deep-sea fishing vessels in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Puducherry and Goa, while similar support is available through FIDF.

Technology Adds Safety Layer for Fishers

The Access Pass framework is being integrated with existing maritime safety and digital fisheries systems.

Fishing vessels equipped with satellite-based transponders can connect with the Nabhmitra mobile application, providing fishers with real-time information including:

• Potential Fishing Zone advisories
• Weather forecasts
• Cyclone and tsunami warnings
• Navigation advisories
• International Maritime Boundary Line alerts
• Emergency communication
• Other safety information

The system is intended to improve both fishing efficiency and safety at sea.

Impact on Seafood, Hospitality and Tourism

The deep-sea fishing initiative could have implications across India’s wider seafood and hospitality ecosystem.

For hotels and restaurants: Greater deep-sea fishing capacity could increase the availability of commercially valuable seafood species for domestic markets.

For seafood exporters: Digital traceability, health certification and eco-labelling can improve India’s ability to meet international sourcing requirements.

For food processing: Increased deep-sea landings could create additional raw material for processing, freezing, ready-to-cook and value-added seafood products.

For coastal destinations: Fishing communities could benefit from new income streams linked to seafood processing, local markets and culinary experiences.

For culinary tourism: Greater access to diverse deep-sea species could strengthen regional seafood identities and destination-led coastal cuisine.

Bottom Line

India’s 9,650 Access Passes mark a significant step towards formalising and expanding deep-sea fishing operations in the country’s EEZ. Combined with duty-free treatment for eligible EEZ and High Seas catches, digital traceability and improved maritime safety systems, the framework could strengthen the connection between Indian fishers, seafood processing, exports and the hospitality sector.