(a) whether the traditional fishermen of the country particularly from
Gujarat and Maharashtra are losing their opportunity in fishing due to
the introduction of foreign trawlers in fishing;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has received any proposal requesting the
prohibition of fishing by foreign companies off the Indian coasts; and
(d) if so, the action taken by the Government thereon?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) to (d) Traditional fishermen normally carry out fishing operations
within the territorial waters i.e. upto 12 nautical miles, where State
Governments exercise control. The Central Government has jurisdiction
over Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that extends from 12 to 200 nautical
miles in the deep sea. The Letters of Permits (LOP) are issued to eligible
Indian entrepreneurs allowing them to fish in the EEZ. Foreign companies
are not issued LOP by the Government.