Industry Odisha Bureau, Jul 9: Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission is a visionary initiative to transform the State into a leading deep-sea fishing and marine export hub of Eastern India, said Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan at the launch Programme for the issuance of LoAs for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas here today.
Addressing the gathering, 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 ₹73,000 crore during the last financial year.
He expressed confidence that the High Seas initiative would further strengthen India’s export potential and generate employment in harvesting, processing, cold chain, transportation, packaging, logistics and export services.
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.
The Vice-President appreciated the efforts of the Department of Fisheries, of the Centre and State Government and all fisheries stakeholders in advancing sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector.
He noted that the Union Budget 2025–26 had recognised the importance of harnessing fisheries resources in India’s EEZ and High Seas and stated that the launch of the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) framework marks a new chapter in the country’s fisheries sector. He highlighted that the fisher-centric framework will open access to high-value marine resources, strengthen livelihoods and create new opportunities across the seafood value chain.
Underscoring the importance of quality standards, traceability and international certifications, he noted that these measures would help Indian seafood access premium global markets and further boost exports.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen Fisheries Cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and encouraged the youth to view fisheries as a modern, science-driven sector offering significant employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Stressing that growth must be aligned with sustainability, he called for responsible management of marine resources to ensure long-term benefits for future generations and continued growth of the Blue Economy.
Vice President distributed LoA to the fisheries cooperative societies including National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and fishing vessel owners, enabling eligible Indian-flagged fishing vessels to undertake regulated fishing operations in the high seas.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati emphasized that the launch of the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) is an important step towards sustainably harnessing high-seas fisheries resources through a transparent and technology-driven framework.
Emphasising that growth must be accompanied by sustainability, he noted that the initiative will promote responsible fishing, strengthen fisheries value chains, generate livelihood opportunities for youth and improve the incomes of fishing communities.
The Governor also appreciated the Department of Fisheries for achieving record seafood exports despite global trade challenges.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi noted that Odisha is steadily building a robust fisheries ecosystem through investments in modern fisheries infrastructure, including wholesale fish markets and Aquapark, to support value addition and seafood exports.
Emphasising the State’s commitment to harnessing the untapped potential of the EEZ and oceanic fisheries resources, he stated that the digitally enabled LoA framework, featuring an end-to-end online process and real-time tracking, will promote transparency and ease of doing business.
He further underscored the importance of developing deep-sea fishing, tuna fisheries, processing and export-oriented fisheries activities to enhance incomes, generate employment and position Odisha as a leading hub for marine fisheries and seafood exports in the country.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shed light on the immense potential of India’s Blue Economy and appreciated the transformative initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to strengthen the fisheries sector.
Referring to Odisha’s rich maritime heritage and abundant fisheries resources, he noted that the State has emerged as an important contributor to India’s seafood exports and possesses significant untapped potential, particularly in brackish water aquaculture and deep-sea fisheries.
He emphasised that harnessing these resources sustainably can enhance fish production, boost exports and create new livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
Pradhan underscored the pivotal role of fisheries cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) in strengthening the fisheries value chain, improving market access and ensuring that the benefits of sectoral growth reach fishing communities.
He further stated that the LoA framework and the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission would help position Odisha as a key fisheries and seafood export hub in eastern India, while contributing to the vision of a vibrant Blue Economy.
Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said that the Union Budget 2025–26 announced the creation of an enabling framework for the sustainable harnessing of fisheries resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and High Seas, which has been operationalised through the launch of the Access Pass and the national rollout of the Letter of Authorisation (LoA).
He stated that the LoA is a historic milestone for India’s marine fisheries sector that will unlock the vast untapped potential of high-seas fisheries through a transparent and fully online system.
The Union Minister emphasised that Fisheries Cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) are prioritized under the initiative to ensure inclusive participation in the emerging high-seas fisheries ecosystem.
Singh further highlighted that the Government has invested more than Rs 39,000 crore in the fisheries sector through various flagship schemes, resulting in more than 100% growth in fish production and record seafood exports of Rs 73,891 crore in 2025–26 despite global trade challenges.
Referring to the Union Budget 2026–27, he highlighted that fish catch by Indian vessels in the EEZ and High Seas has been made duty-free and foreign port landings will be treated as exports, creating new opportunities for growth in the sector. He called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and further strengthen India’s Blue Revolution and Blue Economy.
