Launch of the National Authority for High Seas Fishing Programme

• On July 9, 2026, the Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, launched a national program in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for the issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoA) for high seas fishing.

• On this occasion, he also unveiled the 'Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036)' document. The event was organized by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India.

• The objective of this initiative is to authorize Indian fishing vessels to conduct fishing operations in high seas areas in a scientific, safe, transparent, and sustainable manner.

• This initiative will promote the effective management of the fisheries sector while ensuring the responsible utilization of marine resources.

• High seas fishing refers to fishing activities conducted in marine areas located beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of any country.

• Under this system, a process has been developed for issuing Letters of Authorisation that includes digital applications, online verification, and the granting of permissions within a stipulated timeframe.

• This will help curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing while promoting the sustainable conservation and utilization of marine bio-resources.