Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal for repeal of the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, paving the way for enactment of the Odisha Marine Fishing (Prohibition and Regulation) Bill, 2026, aimed at creating a modern and comprehensive legal framework for the marine fisheries sector.
The proposal, placed by the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, seeks to address emerging challenges in marine fisheries management, including conservation of marine resources, fishermen’s safety, coastal security, technological advancements, and prevention of unauthorized entry of foreign fishing vessels into Odisha waters.
According to the government, the existing 1982 legislation was limited in scope and inadequate to deal with the evolving needs of the sector. The new legislation broadens the ambit of regulation to include deep-sea fishing and promotion of mariculture activities such as marine cage culture, seaweed farming, and deployment of artificial reefs for rejuvenation of territorial waters.
The Bill also envisages integrated infrastructure development through modernization and management of fishing harbours and fish landing centres along Odisha’s coastline, with a focus on sustainable growth, livelihood generation, and employment opportunities.
The proposed legislation places significant emphasis on fishermen’s safety and coastal security. It mandates the use of modern safety and communication equipment, including transponders, Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, and Vessel Tracking and Monitoring Systems (VTMS). The Bill also proposes biometric or QR-coded Aadhaar-based identification mechanisms and enhanced insurance coverage for fishermen.
To curb Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the legislation introduces stricter regulation of fishing vessels, fishermen, and fishing-related activities. It includes provisions relating to licensing, fishing gear regulation, and prohibition of destructive fishing practices.
The government said the Bill would also safeguard the interests of traditional fishermen while strengthening monitoring, enforcement, conservation, and sustainable management of marine resources.
Aligned with the state’s “Viksit Odisha Vision 2036-2047” and Blue Economy initiatives, including the deep-sea fishing mission, the legislation is expected to strengthen marine fisheries governance and boost seafood exports.
The state government has set a target of achieving ₹25,000 crore in seafood exports by 2036 through expansion and modernization of the marine fisheries sector.
“The new legislation will ensure sustainable fisheries resource development clubbed with immense economic benefit while protecting the livelihood and safety of the fishermen in Odisha as well as conservation of marine ecosystem across the coast,” the government said.
