In a major boost to India’s fisheries cooperatives and offshore fishing sector, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, on Friday launched the Access Pass for Fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at KCC Ground, Veraval, Gujarat.
The landmark initiative witnessed the participation of 24 Fisheries Cooperative Societies from all coastal States and Union Territories, with over 2,000 participants attending physically and more than 500 locations joining virtually, including Fisheries Cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs). The event strongly underscored the government’s cooperative-led approach to expanding offshore fisheries.
During the ceremony, the Union Minister handed over EEZ Access Passes to 37 fishermen representing 24 fisheries cooperative societies, symbolising the beginning of a structured, transparent and cooperative-driven offshore fishing framework.
Safety kits comprising Life Jackets, High-Beam Torches, and GPS devices were also distributed to fishermen to strengthen safe navigation and offshore operations. Further reinforcing cooperative development, newly formed Fisheries Cooperative Societies in Gujarat received a Rs 2 lakh grant, highlighting the Centre’s commitment to strengthening grassroots institutions.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that the EEZ framework was drafted after extensive consultations with fishermen associations, cooperatives, States/UTs, and scientific institutions, ensuring an inclusive and future-ready governance model.
He urged fishermen to organise themselves into cooperatives to maximise benefits under the new EEZ rules. Notably, as per the Union Budget 2026 announcement, fish catch by Indian vessels in the EEZ/high seas is duty-free, a move expected to significantly enhance cooperative earnings.
The Minister also highlighted the formation of a Joint Working Group with the Ministry of Cooperation to further strengthen fisheries cooperatives and expand opportunities in deep-sea fishing.
Minister of State George Kurian termed the initiative a decisive step toward advancing India’s marine fisheries sector in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He noted that Veraval has been designated as a Fishing Harbour Cluster under PMMSY, enabling economies of scale and efficiency for cooperative institutions.
Union Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi highlighted that India’s EEZ, spanning nearly 24 lakh sq km, remains significantly under-utilised despite strong potential for high-value oceanic species like tuna. He reiterated the Department’s focus on sustainable resource use and strengthening Fisheries Cooperatives and FFPOs through training, capacity-building, and infrastructure development.
The initiative builds upon the “Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), 2025” Rules notified on 4 November 2025, aimed at unlocking offshore potential while ensuring sustainability and cooperative participation.
Senior officials from the Department of Fisheries, National Fisheries Development Board, National Cooperative Development Corporation, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Marine Products Export Development Authority and other institutions were present, reflecting a coordinated institutional push to strengthen the fisheries cooperative ecosystem.
