Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Fisherfolk Urge Policy Inclusion for EEZ Fishing
Fishermen in Kerala, India, are asking the government to let them help make rules about fishing in special ocean areas called the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
They say they know a lot about fishing and the sea, but the government doesn't listen to them.
The fishermen think the rules aren't fair or based on good science.
They want to be part of making the rules so that fishing can be done in a way that's good for the sea and for their jobs.
The government hasn't checked if big boats can fish safely in these areas, and the fishermen say it's harder to find fish and it costs more money to fish in deeper waters.
Fisherfolk urge the Centre to include their representatives in policymaking bodies for fishing in the EEZ.
The Federation of Fishing Boats and Fishery Industries of Kerala claims the government has not assessed the capability of deep-sea vessels for fishing in the EEZ.
Fishermen argue that deep-sea fishing should be managed by themselves, as they have practical expertise in undercurrents and marine life patterns.
The federation states that the sustainable fishing program in the EEZ lacks a sound scientific basis and adequate data support.
Fishermen highlight that the EEZ is seen as a jurisdictional limit by policymakers, but in reality, fish availability diminishes and operational costs rise in deeper waters.
- Who
- Fisherfolk and the Federation of Fishing Boats and Fishery Industries of Kerala
- What
- Urging inclusion in policymaking bodies for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
- When
- December 24, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To utilize practical expertise for responsible fishing and bridge the gap between policy and practice
- Representing Body
- Federation of Fishing Boats and Fishery Industries of Kerala
- Key Figures
- Paul Rajan Mampilly, Joseph Xavier Kalappurackal
- EEZ Range
- 12 to 200 nautical miles
- Main Issue
- Lack of fisherfolk representation in policymaking
- Key Concern
- Unscientific basis for sustainable fishing policies