The Odisha government has approved a new marine fishing law that mandates transponders, VHF radios, and biometric Aadhaar identification for fishermen. The proposed Odisha Marine Fishing (Prohibition and Regulation) Bill, 2026, aims to replace the 43-year-old Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, and expand regulation to deep-sea fishing, coastal security, and marine conservation.
The new law seeks to address emerging challenges, including coastal and national security, by expanding regulatory coverage to include deep-sea fishing operations and promoting mariculture activities such as marine cage culture, seaweed cultivation, and the deployment of artificial reefs.
Key additions to the new Bill include mandatory safety and surveillance requirements, such as transponders, VHF radio communication systems, and VTMS, as well as biometric or QR-coded Aadhaar identification for fishermen.
The Bill also mandates enhanced insurance coverage for those engaged in marine fishing and introduces new licensing requirements, fishing gear regulations, and an outright prohibition on destructive fishing practices.
Additionally, the Bill contains specific protections for traditional fishers and strengthens the monitoring and enforcement framework for combating IUU fishing.
The Odisha government aims to modernise fishing harbours and fish landing centres along the Odisha coastline under a "smart green integrated infrastructure" framework, with a target of ₹25,000 crore in seafood exports by 2036.
