National launch of LoA for sustainable deep sea fisheries

A new golden chapter has been added to the history of India's marine fisheries and the progressive 'Blue Economy'. At a function held at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar, the Hon'ble Vice President, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, launched the National Letter of Approval (LoA) for Long-term Fish Production in Deep Sea.

✅While most fishing operations are currently restricted to 40-50 nautical miles from the coast, this new policy will open up huge opportunities for high-value fish such as tuna in deep international waters and strengthen food security and nutrition.
✅Special approvals have been issued to various major fisheries cooperatives, including the National Cooperative Exporters Limited (NCEL), and fishing vessel owners, allowing eligible Indian vessels to fish for high-value fish in controlled and responsible manner in deep international waters outside the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

I joined the Hon'ble Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnanji, Hon'ble Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampatiji and esteemed Union Ministers in the national launch of "Letter of Authorization (LoA)" for sustainable utilization of marine fisheries resources. On this occasion, licenses were issued to fishermen and Fish Producers Organizations (FFPOs) from various parts of the country and the "Odisha Deep Sea Fisheries Mission" was also launched to give a new dimension to the maritime potential of Odisha, which is a visionary effort towards the planned utilization of our vast marine resources.

Aligned with the grand goals of Odisha Vision-2036 and Developed India-2047, this mission envisages deployment of deep sea fishing vessels and modernisation of vessels. Port areas like Paradweep, Dhamra and Gopalpur will be developed as modern marine hubs for the overall economic upliftment of the people of our coastal region. Odisha will always play a leading role in the growth of the nation's "Blue Economy" by initiating safe use of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and deep sea through technologically sound systems.