Question : DEEP SEA FISHERIES

(a) whether the expert committee set up by the Government on deep sea fisheries has submitted its report in November, 2011;

(b) if so, the outcome thereof and the present status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the report;

(c) whether the Government has scrapped all deep sea fishery policies during the last three months;

(d) if so, whether the Government is considering to implement a practical policy to exploit deep sea marine resources; and

(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government to revive the deep sea fishery sector?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)

(a)& (b) Yes, Madam. A Sub-Committee to the Inter-Ministerial Empowered Committee on` Marine Fisheries (EC) was constituted to inter-alia make suggestions to streamline procedures for grant of Letters of Permission (LOPs) to fish in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The sub-committee has submitted its report which has been examined from the view point of its practical implementation.

(c) No, Madam.

(d) 86 (e) The deep-sea fishing policy of the country is regularly reviewed by the EC through various Expert Groups/Committees constituted from time to time.