Lok Sabha Question No. 604 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-06
Subject: Poaching in Overseas Waters
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Bhartruhari Mahtab

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.604 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH  FEBRUARY, 2024

## Poaching in Overseas Waters

## 604. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

## Will  the  Minister  of FISHERIES,  ANIMAL  HUSBANDRY  AND  DAIRYING मत्स्यपालन , पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री be pleased to state:

- ( a) whether the Government is cognizant of the fishermen being arrested for poaching in overseas waters;
- (b) if  so,  whether economic actions are being pursued by the Government against the errant fishermen;
- (c) whether  any  measure  shall  be  introduced  to  sensitize  fishermen  on  the  limits  of overseas waters; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRYAND DAIRYING

## (SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

(a) & (b): The Government receives reports of arrest of Indian fishermen from time to time. Indian fishermen are generally apprehended by countries on charges of allegedly fishing in their territorial waters and cases are filed related to illegal fishing, trespassing, crossing the international maritime boundary line illegally, etc under the respective Acts of the concerned countries.  The  Government  attaches  highest  priority  to  the  safety,  security  and  welfare  of Indian fishermen. As soon as cases of apprehension of Indian fishermen and their fishing boats are reported, immediate steps are taken by Indian Missions and Posts to seek consular access, ensure their welfare and also pursue their early release and repatriation along with their boats. Consular Officers of Missions/Posts make regular visits to local jails and detention centers to ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen lodged there and provide requisite help and support, including legal assistance through Indian Community Welfare Fund. Missions/Posts abroad also  approach  the  law  enforcement  agencies  to  complete  the  investigation  and  judicial proceedings at the earliest possible. The focus of the Government's efforts is on securing the early release of fishermen.

(c)  &  (d):  The  Department  of  Fisheries,  Ministry  of  Fisheries,  Animal  Husbandry  and Dairying issues advisory to coastal State Governments and Union Territories (UTs) from time to time to sensitize the fishermen on the implications of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and on the importance of not to cross IMBL. Besides, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) regularly conduct Community Interaction Programmes (CIPs) for the fishermen in the coastal villages wherein they are sensitized about IMBL among other safety and security measures. ICG ships and aircraft, during regular patrol close to IMBL undertake shepherding of Indian fishing boats into Indian waters. Coordinated patrols with neighbouring  countries  are  also  undertaken  in  order  to  sensitize  the  fishermen  to  avoid crossing IMBL. ICG also sensitizes Fisheries Departments of Coastal States/UTs and fisheries associations  about  the  perils  of  fishing  near/across  IMBL.  Enhanced  CIPs  are  conducted among fisher folk emphasizing on adverse implications for illegal entry and dangers involved in  crossing  IMBL. Standard Operating Procedures have been promulgated by Ministry of Home Affairs in November, 2016 to prevent transgression of IMBL by Indian fishermen. The flagship scheme 'Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana' (PMMSY) being implemented by Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying provides support to traditional fishermen/fishermen's groups, to acquire deep sea fishing vessels and Automatic Information System/communication devises and support for training and capacity building to avoid crossing IMBL and instead to fish in other areas within Exclusive Economic Zone far away from their bases. In addition, PMMSY also supports fitment of communication and/or tracking devices, and GPS onboard fishing boats in order to help the fishermen to avoid straying across IMBL

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