International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
2025, Vol. 13, Issue 1, Part C
Regulatory vacuum in the management of fisheries in the exclusive economic zone of India: Challenges and the way forward
Author(s): P Sahadevan
Abstract: The management of fisheries in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) faces significant challenges due to a fragmented and outdated regulatory framework. While India has established strong governance over its territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles, the legal mechanisms governing fisheries beyond this limit remain inadequate. The absence of a dedicated national law for EEZ fisheries management has resulted in weak monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) measures, making India’s EEZ highly vulnerable to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by both domestic and foreign vessels. This regulatory vacuum has also contributed to the overexploitation of fish stocks, degradation of marine habitats, and growing conflicts between different fishing sectors, including small-scale fishers, deep-sea fishing operators, and foreign fleets.
The lack of a comprehensive legal framework also hinders India’s ability to effectively enforce international commitments, including obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Although various national legislations address aspects of fisheries governance, they fail to provide a cohesive mechanism for sustainable resource management in the EEZ. This has led to a situation where enforcement remains weak, scientific stock assessments are infrequent, and regulatory overlaps create ambiguities in jurisdiction. This paper critically examines these deficiencies and explores potential solutions to strengthen EEZ fisheries governance in India.
DOI: 10.22271/fish.2025.v13.i1c.3037Pages: 209-212 | 65 Views 30 DownloadsDownload Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
P Sahadevan.
Regulatory vacuum in the management of fisheries in the exclusive economic zone of India: Challenges and the way forward. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2025;13(1):209-212. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22271/fish.2025.v13.i1c.3037
