Illegal Intrusion by Fishermen

**Executive Summary** This report details the measures taken by the Union and State Governments to address illegal fishing intrusions in territorial waters, specifically focusing on disputes between Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Key institutional developments include the establishment of Regional Fisheries Management Councils (RFMCs) on 29 March 2023 and the formation of a joint District-Level Committee on 31 January 2024 to resolve inter-state conflicts. The document emphasizes legislative enforcement and collaborative sensitization efforts to safeguard the livelihoods of traditional fishers. **Key Points / Main Content** **Jurisdictional Framework** * Coastal State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations regulate fishing within territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles. * The Union Government maintains jurisdiction over India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) beyond the 12-nautical-mile limit. * States enforce their respective Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRAs) to govern these zones, often designating exclusive areas for traditional non-motorized and motorized craft. **Conflict Resolution Mechanisms** * Three Regional Fisheries Management Councils (Western, Eastern, and Southern RFMCs) were established in March 2023 to provide platforms for collaborative dispute resolution and equitable resource access. * The Indian Coast Guard is represented in all RFMCs to assist in deliberations regarding inter-state issues. * A specific District-Level Committee was constituted in January 2024 following a Southern RFMC meeting to address disputes between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. **Enforcement and Evidence-Based Action** * Tamil Nadu takes legal action against offending vessels under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983. * Enforcement is supported by evidence provided by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, including photographs and videographs of illegal intrusions. * Andhra Pradesh refers incidents involving Puducherry vessels to the UT Administration for appropriate action. **Legislative Updates** * The Government of Andhra Pradesh is currently pursuing amendments to the Andhra Pradesh Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1994. * The amendments aim to introduce more stringent provisions to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing within its territorial waters. **Impact Analysis** **Coastal State Governments (Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu)** **Impact** They are responsible for inter-state coordination and the enforcement of MFRAs to protect their respective maritime interests and territorial integrity. **Action Required** Maintain active participation in RFMC meetings, provide evidence-based reports of intrusions, and implement joint committee mandates to sensitize local fishing communities. **District Administrations (Thiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, SPSR Nellore, Prakasam, and Tirupati)** **Impact** District Collectors and officials are now part of a formal committee tasked with direct dispute resolution and fisherman sensitization. **Action Required** Collaborate across state lines to address local fishing disputes and ensure the implementation of the Order dated 31 January 2024. **Mechanized Vessel Operators** **Impact** Operators from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry face stricter enforcement and legal action for unauthorized entry into the territorial waters of neighboring states, particularly traditional fishing zones. **Action Required** Comply with existing MFRAs and respect the designated exclusive zones for traditional fishers to avoid seizure or legal penalties. **Traditional Fishermen** **Impact** They are the primary beneficiaries of the designated exclusive zones and the government's efforts to prevent illegal intrusions by mechanized vessels. **Action Required** Report illegal fishing activities to state authorities using visual evidence such as photographs and videos to support enforcement actions.

Key Entities Referenced