The Department of Fisheries, Government of India organized the National Launch of Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas on 9th July 2026 in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. The Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan launched the Letter of Authorisation for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas. Hon’ble Vice President also launched the Odisha Deep Sea Mission Document during the event.
The National launch program was graced by the august presence of Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha; Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha; Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister for Education; Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, along with Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj; Shri Gokulananda Mallik, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Fisheries & ARD and MSME, Government of Odisha; and Shri Sukanta Panigrahi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Kandhamal; The event also witnessed participation of approximately 1,000 fish farmers and fishers including women fish farmers and fishers in person, along with officials from various states and UTs, line Ministries and Departments.
Hon’ble Vice president, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan appreciated the efforts of the Department of Fisheries, GoI, Government of Odisha and all fisheries stakeholders in advancing sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector. He noted that the Union Budget 2025–26 had recognised the importance of harnessing fisheries resources in India’s EEZ and High Seas and stated that the launch of the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) framework marks a new chapter in the country’s fisheries sector. He highlighted that the fisher-centric framework will open access to high-value marine resources, strengthen livelihoods and create new opportunities across the seafood value chain. Underscoring the importance of quality standards, traceability and international certifications, he noted that these measures would help Indian seafood access premium global markets and further boost exports. He also emphasised the need to strengthen Fisheries Cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and encouraged the youth to view fisheries as a modern, science-driven sector offering significant employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Stressing that growth must be aligned with sustainability, he called for responsible management of marine resources to ensure long-term benefits for future generations and continued growth of the Blue Economy.
During the event, the Hon’ble Vice President distributed LoA to the fisheries cooperative societies including National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and fishing vessel owners, enabling eligible Indian-flagged fishing vessels to undertake regulated fishing operations in the high seas. The fisheries cooperative societies awarded include 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.
Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, highlighted India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone and immense marine wealth, noting that the country’s fishing activities have traditionally remained concentrated in coastal waters. He emphasized that the launch of the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) is an important step towards sustainably harnessing high-seas fisheries resources through a transparent and technology-driven framework. Emphasising that growth must be accompanied by sustainability, he noted that the initiative will promote responsible fishing, strengthen fisheries value chains, generate livelihood opportunities for youth and improve the incomes of fishing communities. He also appreciated the Department of Fisheries for achieving record seafood exports despite global trade challenges. Stressing the role of Fisheries Cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), he called for empowering fishers with suitable vessels, equipment and technologies to tap high-value resources such as tuna and tuna-like species.
Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, noted that Odisha is steadily building a robust fisheries ecosystem through investments in modern fisheries infrastructure, including wholesale fish markets and Aquapark, to support value addition and seafood exports. Emphasising the State’s commitment to harnessing the untapped potential of the EEZ and oceanic fisheries resources, he stated that the digitally enabled LoA framework, featuring an end-to-end online process and real-time tracking, will promote transparency and ease of doing business. He further underscored the importance of developing deep-sea fishing, tuna fisheries, processing and export-oriented fisheries activities to enhance incomes, generate employment and position Odisha as a leading hub for marine fisheries and seafood exports in the country.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, shed light on the immense potential of India’s Blue Economy and appreciated the transformative initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to strengthen the fisheries sector. Referring to Odisha’s rich maritime heritage and abundant fisheries resources, he noted that the State has emerged as an important contributor to India’s seafood exports and possesses significant untapped potential, particularly in brackish water aquaculture and deep-sea fisheries. He emphasised that harnessing these resources in a sustainable manner can enhance fish production, boost exports and create new livelihood opportunities for coastal communities. The Minister underscored the pivotal role of fisheries cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) in strengthening the fisheries value chain, improving market access and ensuring that the benefits of sectoral growth reach fishing communities. He further stated that the LoA framework and the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission would help position Odisha as a key fisheries and seafood export hub in eastern India, while contributing to the vision of a vibrant Blue Economy.
