Kanyakumari: Fishermen from Kanyakumari district are opposing the recently introduced on-time access pass by the Union government that permits fishing in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to the Union ministry of fisheries, most fishing activity in India is limited to 40–50 nautical miles, leaving the vast EEZ extending from 12 to 200 nautical miles underutilized despite its potential for high‑value species like tuna. To address this, the government of India notified the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025, alongside a national traceability framework.
Key Features of the EEZ Rules
A central feature of the EEZ rules is the introduction of a transparent and legally backed access pass framework for authorised fishing operations in the EEZ. This aims to empower Indian fishers to access high-value resources and meet export standards such as traceability and certification.
Fee Structure
Fishery department officials told TOI that the access pass regulates fishing in the EEZ. A one-time registration fee for three years costs Rs 25,000, and renewal of the pass requires Rs 12,000.
Fishermen's Concerns
Speaking to TOI, president of INFIDET (The International Fishermen Development Trust) P Justin Antony said, “The introduction of this pass will eventually affect the profit of the fishermen.”
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About the Author: Ahamed Ali is a senior reporter working in Madurai, covering crime and forests. He loves writing human interest stories.
