Question : Ban on Fishing

(a) whether the Committee constituted by the Government in 2013 has recommended for ban of fishing in the Indian coast;

(b) if so, the details of recommendations made by the said Committee;

(c) whether there has been a difference among various States for uniform Fishing Ban time and duration;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether any foreign vessel has been found engaged in illegal fishing in the Indian waters during 2014 and 2015 so far; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government against such vessels

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICUTURE
(DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. The Committee constituted by the Government in 2013 has recommended for a seasonal ban on fishing in the Indian Coast as detailed below:-

(i) The seasonal fishing ban shall be observed in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), for an extended duration of 61 days instead of the current 47 days.

(ii) The seasonal closure of mechanised as well as motorised fishing may commence from 15 April to 14 June (61 days) along the East Coast.

(iii) The seasonal closure of mechanised as well as motorised fishing may commence from 01 June to 31 July (61 days) along the West Coast.

(c) &(d) Yes, Madam. There are differences amongst the States especially related to the duration of the uniform fishing ban. However, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture has advised that the States who would prefer to have fishing ban of less than 61 days in their territorial waters are advised to reach 61 days ban period in their territorial waters, gradually within a period of 5 years for the purpose of ensuring uniformity.

(e) & (f) Yes, Madam. The Indian Coast Guard has reported that 68 foreign fishing vessels were apprehended for illegally fishing in Indian waters, out of which 55 vessels were apprehended in 2014 and 13 vessels were apprehended in 2015. The Indian Coast Guard has further reported that these apprehended vessels were handed over to the concerned police authorities for legal action.
****