Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Launched by Vice President Radhakrishnan

Bhubaneswar: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission in Bhubaneswar, marking a new chapter in India’s maritime economy.

The initiative introduces a national programme for issuing Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) to fishermen, enabling sustainable fishing in the high seas.

Ten Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FPPOs) and fishermen across India received LoAs during the launch, opening access to deeper waters and high‑value species such as tuna.

Highlighting India’s vast maritime potential, Radhakrishnan noted the country’s 24 lakh sq km Exclusive Economic Zone and 11,000 km coastline, much of which remains underutilised.

He emphasised that the fisheries sector already supports three crore livelihoods and contributes Rs 73,000 crore annually in seafood exports.

The Vice President stressed that sustainable fishing is a moral responsibility, calling for strict adherence to digital authorisation, vessel tracking, and international certification to prevent illegal practices.

He urged youth to view fisheries as a technology‑driven profession aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.

The event was attended by Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Dharmendra Pradhan, and S.P. Singh Baghel.