Bhubaneswar, July 9 (IANS) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday launched the national programme for issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for sustainable fisheries in the high seas.

On the occasion, he also launched the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document and presented Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for High Seas Fishing to ten Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPPOs) and fishermen from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President said that the initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s maritime journey by enabling Indian fishermen to sustainably harness the vast potential of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the high seas. He observed that the programme reflects the collective resolve of the Union government, the state government, and fishing communities to usher in a new era of growth, sustainability and prosperity in the fisheries sector.

He noted that India possesses over 11,000 kilometres of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone of nearly 24 lakh square kilometres, with immense marine wealth that remains largely untapped. He said that while fishing activities have traditionally remained close to the shore, the new framework would enable Indian fishermen to confidently venture into deep waters for the sustainable harvesting of high-value species such as tuna.

Highlighting the rapid growth of India’s fisheries sector, the Vice President said that India is today the world’s second-largest fish-producing country, contributing around eight per cent to global fish production. He noted that the sector supports the livelihoods of nearly three crore fishermen and fish farmers and that seafood exports crossed Rs 73,000 crore during the last financial year.

VP Radhakrishnan expressed confidence that the initiative would further strengthen India’s export potential and generate employment in harvesting, processing, cold chain, transportation, packaging, logistics, and export services, stressing that the new framework gives priority to fisheries cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations and Indian fishermen for the issuance of Letters of Authorisation.

Describing the initiative as a significant step towards empowering coastal communities, he emphasised that collective efforts can bring about transformational change in the fisheries sector. Stressing that sustainable fishing is a moral responsibility, he said that economic progress must go hand in hand with conservation of marine resources.

He underlined the importance of digital authorisation systems, vessel tracking, international certification and strict compliance with measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

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

The programme was attended by the Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and several other dignitaries.

–IANS

grm/vd