India’s Blue Economy : NITI Aayog Report
NITI Aayog released a report “India’s Blue Economy – Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries” outlining a scientific, sustainable, and inclusive roadmap for developing India’s deep-sea and offshore fisheries.
Current Status:
- India’s deep-sea fishing remains nascent, despite an estimated 7.16 million tonnes (MT) potential within its EEZ.
- Only 4 Indian-flagged vessels operate in high seas versus Sri Lanka’s 1,883 and Iran’s 1,216, reflecting weak international engagement.
- No specific law governs fishing between 12–200 nautical miles, leading to IUU fishing and legal ambiguity.
- States regulate only up to 12 nmi, restricting oversight of larger marine zones.
