VP Radhakrishnan to launch high seas fisheries LoA in Bhubaneswar on July 9
Synopsis
India is formally opening high-seas fishing to its cooperative sector — VP CP Radhakrishnan's Bhubaneswar launch of the Letter of Authorisation on 9 July marks the first regulated, digitally traceable framework for Indian-flagged vessels in international waters, with the Odisha Deep Sea Mission adding a decade-long state-level ambition to the picture.
Key Takeaways
VP CP Radhakrishnan will launch the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for high seas fisheries in Bhubaneswar on 9 July 2025 .
The LoA is mandatory under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025 .
LoAs will be distributed to fisheries cooperatives including NCEL and fishing vessel owners across multiple states.
The framework is vessel-specific, non-transferable, and fully integrated with the ReALCraft Fishing Vessel Registration Portal .
Approximately 1,000 fish farmers and fishers , including women, will attend the national launch event.
The Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036) will also be launched, targeting Odisha as a marine export hub.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan will launch the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for sustainable harnessing of fisheries in the high seas at a national event in Bhubaneswar on 9 July 2025. The launch, organised by the Department of Fisheries, will also see the unveiling of the Odisha Deep Sea Mission Document, marking a significant step in India's Blue Economy push.
What the Event Covers
The Bhubaneswar event will be attended by ministers, senior government officials, and eminent personalities. Approximately 1,000 fish farmers and fishers — including women fish farmers and fishers — are expected to participate in person, according to an official statement.
Vice President Radhakrishnan will distribute LoAs to fisheries cooperative societies, including National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), and fishing vessel owners. The authorisation enables eligible Indian-flagged fishing vessels to undertake regulated fishing operations in international high seas.
What the LoA Framework Entails
The LoA is a mandatory provision under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025. It is vessel-specific, non-transferable, and integrated with the ReALCraft Fishing Vessel Registration Portal, ensuring traceable and monitored operations.
The entire LoA process is online and time-bound, designed to improve transparency, traceability, and governance across the fisheries sector. Officials described it as a transparent and accountable framework for vessels undertaking fishing or fishing-related activities beyond territorial waters.
Cooperatives Set to Receive Authorisation
Among the fisheries cooperative societies slated to receive the LoA are Shree Mahavir Machhimar Sahakari Mandali Ltd, Shri Martanda Prassanna Colaba Matsyodyog Vividh Karyakari Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, South Goa Mechanized Boat Owners Coop. & Marketing Society Ltd, Paradeep Marine Primary Fish Production & Marketing Co-op. Society Ltd, Thengapattanam Deep Sea Fish Producers Cooperative Society, and Malpe Fishermen's Primary Co-Operative Society Ltd.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives by expanding their access to high-value marine resources and creating greater income opportunities for fishing communities.
Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission 2026–2036
The Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036) is a flagship Blue Economy initiative of the Odisha state government, aimed at unlocking the state's offshore and deep-sea fisheries potential. The mission envisions establishing Odisha as a leading deep-sea fishing and marine export hub over the next decade.
With the LoA framework now set for a national rollout, India's regulated push into high-seas fisheries signals a broader ambition to position the country as a major player in sustainable ocean resource management.
Point of View
And a non-transferable, vessel-specific authorisation — however well-designed digitally — does little unless credit access and vessel modernisation keep pace. The Odisha Deep Sea Mission's 2026–2036 horizon is ambitious, but state-level fisheries missions have a mixed record of translating policy intent into fisher income. The integration with ReALCraft is a genuine governance improvement; whether it translates into sustainable catch data and international compliance credibility is the harder question.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for high seas fisheries?
The LoA is a mandatory authorisation under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025. It permits eligible Indian-flagged fishing vessels to conduct regulated fishing operations in international high seas, and is vessel-specific, non-transferable, and linked to the ReALCraft Fishing Vessel Registration Portal.
Who will receive the LoA at the Bhubaneswar event?
Fisheries cooperative societies and fishing vessel owners will receive the LoA. Named recipients include NCEL, Shree Mahavir Machhimar Sahakari Mandali Ltd, South Goa Mechanized Boat Owners Coop. & Marketing Society Ltd, Paradeep Marine Primary Fish Production & Marketing Co-op. Society Ltd, and others from across India.
What is the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission?
The Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036) is a flagship Blue Economy initiative of the Odisha state government aimed at developing the state's offshore and deep-sea fisheries potential. It seeks to establish Odisha as a leading deep-sea fishing and marine export hub over the next decade.
Why does the LoA matter for Indian fishers?
The LoA provides a transparent, digitised, and legally regulated pathway for Indian fishers and cooperatives to access high-value marine resources in international waters. It is expected to strengthen Fish Farmer Producer Organisations and cooperatives, improve incomes, and bring greater governance to India's high-seas fishing operations.
How is the LoA process managed?
The entire LoA process is online and time-bound, integrated with the ReALCraft Fishing Vessel Registration Portal. This ensures traceable, monitored operations and improves service delivery and transparency in the fisheries sector.
