(a) whether the Government is aware of the long pending demand for the formation of a National Deep Sea Fishing Policy; and
(b) if so, the action taken by the Government thereon and the time by which it is likely to be formulated?
(a) whether the Government is aware of the long pending demand for the formation of a National Deep Sea Fishing Policy; and
(b) if so, the action taken by the Government thereon and the time by which it is likely to be formulated?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The Government has already formulated and announced a Comprehensive Marine Fishing Policy in November, 2004 which covers policy for deep sea fishing in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) also. The Policy`s objective are:
(1) to augment marine fish production of the country up to the sustainable level in a responsible manner so as to boost export of sea food from the country and also to increase per capita fish protein intake of the masses,
(2) to ensure socio-economic security of the artisanal fishermen whose lively hood solely depends on this vocation,
(3) to ensure sustainable development of marine fisheries with due concern for ecological integrity and bio-diversity.