In a major step towards strengthening India’s Blue Economy, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched a landmark national initiative for the sustainable utilisation of India’s high-seas fishery resources at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar.
The initiative aims to promote responsible deep-sea fishing, marine resource conservation, and sustainable economic growth while enhancing India’s global presence in the fisheries sector.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
The Vice President launched the national rollout of the Letters of Authorisation (LoA) for Indian-flagged fishing vessels operating in distant waters.
This framework will:
- Promote responsible deep-sea fishing.
- Ensure sustainable utilisation of marine resources.
- Strengthen monitoring of Indian fishing vessels.
- Improve transparency through digital authorisation.
- Support international fisheries compliance.
Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document Unveiled
During the event, the Vice President also unveiled the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document, a strategic roadmap designed to:
- Expand Odisha’s deep-sea fishing capacity.
- Improve infrastructure.
- Increase fishermen’s income.
- Generate employment.
- Strengthen India’s Blue Economy.
Blue Economy: A Key Driver of Viksit Bharat
Describing the Blue Economy as a transformative engine of national prosperity, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan encouraged young Indians to pursue careers in:
- Marine fisheries
- Ocean sciences
- Maritime technology
- Seafood processing
- Deep-sea fishing
- Marine conservation
He emphasized that technology-driven fisheries will play a crucial role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
India’s Seafood Export Success
The Vice President highlighted India’s impressive growth in seafood exports.
Key Facts
- Seafood exports have crossed ₹73,000 crore.
- Indian seafood is exported to more than 120 countries.
- India is emerging as a major global supplier of marine products.
He stressed the importance of:
- Digital vessel authorisation
- GPS-based vessel tracking
- International certification standards
- Sustainable fishing practices
Importance of the Initiative
The national initiative will:
- Promote sustainable fishing.
- Protect marine biodiversity.
- Improve deep-sea fisheries management.
- Enhance seafood exports.
- Create employment opportunities.
- Strengthen India’s Blue Economy.
Key Takeaways
- Launched by: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan
- Venue: Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar
- Major Launch: National rollout of Letters of Authorisation for Indian fishing vessels
- Mission Released: Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document
- Focus: Sustainable high-seas fisheries, Blue Economy, marine conservation
- Seafood Exports: Over ₹73,000 crore
- Export Destinations: More than 120 countries
Conclusion
The launch of the national initiative for the sustainable utilisation of India’s high-seas fishery resources marks a major milestone in India’s maritime development. By combining technology, conservation, and responsible fishing practices, the initiative is expected to strengthen the Blue Economy, improve fishermen’s livelihoods, and contribute significantly to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.