India with an Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) spanning nearly 24 lakh square kilometres, possesses enormous potential for marine fisheries development, livelihood generation, and export expansion. The bulk of fishing activity by Indian vessels continues to remain confined to waters within 40-50 nautical miles from the coast. The vast EEZ beyond this range remains significantly under-utilised, despite scientific assessments indicating substantial potential, particularly for high-value oceanic resources such as tuna and tuna-like species. To unlock this potential, the Government of India had earlier notified the “Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), 2025” Rules on 4 November 2025, in line with the Union Budget 2025–26 announcement. Under this new framework, Indian fishermen can now obtain an Access Pass to operate in deep-sea waters through a completely online and free process. Under the 2026 Budget, fish caught by Indian vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone or high seas will now be duty-free, a move expected to significantly enhance the income of the fishing community. Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025 The Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs has notified the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025 which aims to empower traditional and small-scale fishermen, Fisheries Cooperative Societies, and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to expand their operations to harness the untapped resources of deep-sea, access new income streams with processing and exports, thereby enhancing and strengthening their livelihoods. The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025 are framed to promote sustainability of marine ecosystem with optimum utilization of untapped fishery resources. Emphasis is also given to promote ecosystem approach for sustainable harnessing of resources and implementation of the conservation and management measures, such as uniform ban on fishing during monsoon or fish breeding season, minimum legal size of fish for capture, bycatch reduction measures, best practices for reducing post-harvest losses on board the fishing vessel, conservation of fish stocks or rejuvenation measures including sea ranching, installation of artificial reefs, identification and protection of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), including spawning, breeding, and feeding grounds etc. The Rules also prohibit destructive fishing and juvenile fishing in the EEZ to protect the marine biodiversity of our seas. To know more, click here. How to apply for Access Pass Visit ReALCRaft (Registration And Licensing of Fishing Craft) portal of Department of Fisheries, Government of India Register and fill up the form for Access Pass Once reviewed by the competent authorities, the access pass would be issued.