Traditional fishers get reserved near-shore zones, while PMMSY backs livelihood assistance, artificial reefs, sea ranching and 100 climate-resilient coastal fishing villages

Key Highlights

• Coastal States regulate fishing up to 12 nautical miles through their respective Marine Fishing Regulation Acts.
• Near-shore waters, generally 5–10 km from the coast, are reserved for artisanal and non-mechanised traditional fishers in many coastal States/UTs.
• Satellite-based transponders and geofencing are being used to track mechanised and motorised fishing vessels.
• A uniform 61-day annual fishing ban is enforced in India’s EEZ during the peak fish breeding season.
• PMMSY provides livelihood and nutritional support to eligible traditional fishing families during the fishing ban/lean period.
• Government is supporting sea ranching and artificial reefs to rebuild marine fish stocks.
• PMMSY aims to develop 100 Coastal Fishermen Villages as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs).
• Mariculture initiatives such as seaweed cultivation and open-sea cage culture are being promoted to reduce pressure on near-shore fisheries.

Traditional Fishing Rights Get Greater Protection

The government is strengthening measures to protect the livelihoods of India’s traditional and small-scale fishers while promoting sustainable use of marine resources.

Fishing activities within 12 nautical miles from the baseline are regulated by coastal States under their respective Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs). Many States and Union Territories have designated specific fishing zones for different categories of vessels.

In several coastal areas, waters extending approximately 5–10 kilometres from the shoreline are reserved for artisanal and non-mechanised traditional fishing vessels.

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

Satellite Tracking to Prevent Fishing Zone Violations

To minimise conflicts between traditional and mechanised fishing operations, State Fisheries Departments conduct joint patrolling with enforcement agencies, including the Indian Coast Guard.

Technology is also being deployed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Satellite-based transponders installed on mechanised and motorised fishing vessels enable real-time vessel tracking, geofencing and automated alerts when vessels enter areas reserved for traditional fishers.

The system is intended to strengthen enforcement while reducing gear conflicts and protecting traditional fishing grounds.

61-Day Fishing Ban Protects Breeding Stocks

The government has implemented a uniform 61-day annual fishing ban in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) during the peak fish breeding season.

Coastal States and UTs also enforce corresponding fishing bans in their territorial waters, aligning their schedules with the central EEZ restrictions.

The objective is to protect breeding stocks and support the long-term sustainability of marine fisheries.

However, the seasonal fishing restriction can affect the incomes of traditional fishing families. PMMSY therefore provides livelihood and nutritional support to eligible active traditional fishers’ families during the fishing ban and lean period.

The scheme also provides social security through a Group Accidental Insurance Scheme for active fishers.

New EEZ Rules Focus on Sustainable Fishing

The government has notified the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules, 2025, introducing a range of conservation measures.

These include:

• Ecosystem-based fisheries management
• Uniform fishing restrictions during breeding seasons
• Minimum legal size requirements for fish capture
• Bycatch reduction measures
• Prohibition of destructive fishing practices
• Restrictions on juvenile fishing
• Measures to reduce post-harvest losses

The framework seeks to balance the economic interests of fishing communities with the need to maintain healthy marine ecosystems.

Artificial Reefs and Sea Ranching to Rebuild Fish Stocks

For the first time, PMMSY has introduced dedicated support for sea ranching and installation of artificial reefs along India’s coastline.

Artificial reefs can provide additional marine habitats, while sea ranching is intended to help replenish fish stocks.

The government is also promoting mariculture, including seaweed cultivation and open-sea cage culture.

These activities are designed to create additional sources of income while reducing excessive fishing pressure in near-shore waters.

100 Coastal Fishing Villages to Become Climate Resilient

Another major PMMSY initiative is the development of 100 Coastal Fishermen Villages as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs).

The selected villages will receive need-based interventions aimed at improving infrastructure, livelihoods and economic opportunities.

The broader objective is to transform these communities into economically vibrant and climate-resilient coastal settlements.

Coastal Development Projects to Include Community Impact Assessments

The government’s wider coastal development framework also incorporates community and environmental safeguards.

Under the Sagarmala programme, project proponents are required to undertake Social and Environmental Impact Assessments and prepare management plans to mitigate identified adverse impacts.

The coastal community development pillar of Sagarmala also supports projects aimed at improving livelihoods in coastal areas.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reviews issues relating to Coastal Regulation Zone notifications, including concerns raised by fishing communities regarding coastal infrastructure development.

The government is also working on the draft National Policy for India’s Blue Economy, with fisheries forming an important component of the broader blue economy framework.

Impact on Coastal Tourism and Hospitality

The protection of traditional fishing communities has implications for India’s coastal tourism, hospitality and culinary economy.

Coastal destinations

Protecting fishing grounds and improving coastal resilience can help maintain the traditional communities that form an important part of the cultural identity of many beach and coastal destinations.

Seafood tourism

Traditional fishing communities are closely connected with regional seafood traditions. Maintaining sustainable fish stocks can support local seafood restaurants, markets and destination cuisine.

Community-based tourism

Climate-resilient fishing villages could eventually provide opportunities for community-led tourism, local food experiences, fishing-related activities and cultural tourism, provided such development is undertaken sustainably.

Sustainable hospitality

Artificial reefs, seaweed cultivation, mariculture and sustainable fishing practices can contribute to a more resilient coastal ecosystem—an important foundation for long-term beach and marine tourism.

Coastal infrastructure

Stronger social and environmental assessments for coastal projects could help balance infrastructure development with the interests of fishing communities and tourism-dependent coastal ecosystems.

Bottom Line

India’s approach to traditional fishing rights is increasingly combining legal protection, technology, conservation and livelihood support. Reserved fishing zones and vessel tracking seek to reduce conflicts, while the 61-day fishing ban, artificial reefs, sea ranching and climate-resilient fishing villages focus on long-term resource sustainability.

For hospitality and tourism, protecting traditional fishing communities and marine ecosystems can help preserve the seafood culture, coastal livelihoods and environmental assets that underpin many of India’s coastal destinations.