(a) whether the foreign trawlers are permitted to operate in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government are aware that more than the permissible foreign
trawlers are in operation in the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to protect the interests of Indian
fishermen?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) & (b): As per the decision of the Government on the recommendations of the
Committee to Review Deep Sea Fishing Policy, foreign fishing vessels under Lease
Policy of 1991 are permitted to operate in the Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) of the
country. Presently, five Companies with 26 valid permits are in operation.
(c) No, Sir.
(d). Question does not arise.
(e): To conserve, develop and optimally exploit the fisheries resources within the EEZ
and to safeguard the interest of all groups of fishermen. Government has set-up an Expert Group to formulate a Comprehensive Policy for Marine Fisheries.