**Executive Summary**
The Department of Fisheries, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), has approved the “National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS)" project. This project aims to install indigenously developed transponders on one lakh marine fishing vessels across 13 coastal states and UTs, with an outlay of Rs. 364 Crores, in order to provide security and alerts to fishers. The document also provides information on fishing regulations and enforcement undertaken by State/UT Governments. Information was given in Lok Sabha, February 10, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS):**
* VCSS is a project for the installation of indigenously developed transponders on one lakh marine fishing vessels across 13 coastal states and UTs.
* It is being implemented with the technical support of ISRO.
* The system is satellite-based and provides two-way communication for sea-safety and security, alerts during adverse weather conditions, "No Fishing Zones," International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with geo-fencing and integration with the Nabhmitra App.
* More than 49,000 transponders have already been installed.
* **Fishing Regulations:**
* The Government of India has prohibited harmful fishing methods like bull trawling/pair trawling and the use of artificial or LED lights for fishing in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
* Purse seine fishing is prohibited by some coastal states/UTs in their territorial waters but is allowed by others. It is not prohibited in the EEZ beyond territorial waters.
* **Enforcement of Fishing Regulations:**
* State/UT Governments are primarily responsible for enforcing fishing regulations under their respective Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts (MFRAs).
* Maritime States/UTs have been advised to take necessary steps, including harbor-based monitoring, issuing Government Orders to prevent harmful fishing, patrol vessel and drone monitoring, and punitive actions.
* The Coast Guard monitors and reports prohibited fishing activities to the concerned State Fisheries Authorities.
* Action against illegal activities includes seizure of boats/gears, penalties, or prosecution.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder:** Fishers
**Impact:**
* Enhanced safety and security at sea through the VCSS.
* Awareness of "No Fishing Zones" and International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) through the VCSS.
* Subject to regulations regarding prohibited fishing methods (e.g., bull trawling, LED lights, purse seine fishing in some areas).
**Action Required:**
* Comply with fishing regulations.
* Adhere to “No Fishing Zones” and International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
**Stakeholder:** State/UT Governments
**Impact:**
* Responsible for enforcing fishing regulations.
* Required to take steps to prevent harmful fishing within and beyond territorial waters.
* Required to take punitive action against violators.
**Action Required:**
* Implement and enforce Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts (MFRAs).
* Conduct harbor-based monitoring and issue necessary Government Orders.
* Monitor fishing activities with patrol vessels and drones.
* Take action against illegal fishing activities.
**Stakeholder:** Coast Guard
**Impact:**
* Required to monitor and report prohibited fishing activities.
**Action Required:**
* Report prohibited fishing activities undertaken by fishing boats at sea to the concerned State Fisheries Authorities.
Key Entities Referenced
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A scheme under which the project 'National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS)' was approved.
National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS): A project for the installation of transponders on marine fishing vessels.
Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts (MFRAs): State laws used for enforcement of fishing regulations and action against prohibited fishing practices.
Department of Fisheries: The Government of India department that approved the VCSS project under PMMSY.
Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): The area where certain fishing methods are regulated.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Vessel Monitoring System
Posted On: 10 FEB 2026 2:05PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY), has approved a project “National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support
System (VCSS)” for installation of indigenously developed transponders on one lakh marine fishing
vessels covering mechanized and motorized vessels of all 13 coastal states and UTs with an outlay of
Rs. 364 Crores. Vessel Communication and Support System is being implemented with technical
support of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The VCSS in a satellite based two-way
communication system, which helps the fishers out at sea for sea-safety and security, provides alerts
during adverse weather conditions, ‘No Fishing Zones’, International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)
with geo-fencing and integration with the Nabhmitra App. The VCSS project envisages to cover one
lakh vessels and pan-India coverage. Till date, more than 49,000 transponders have already been
installed in the coastal States/UTs under this project.
The Government of India has prohibited the harmful fishing methods such as bull trawling or pair
trawling and use of artificial lights or LED lights for fishing in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ). While purse seine fishing is prohibited by some coastal states/UTs in their territorial waters, this
method of fishing is allowed by some other states/UTs in their territorial waters. As far as, the EEZ
beyond territorial waters is concerned, considering the recommendations of the Expert Committee the
purse seine fishing is not prohibited in the EEZ area beyond the territorial waters.
(d) Enforcement of fishing regulations, including action against prohibited fishing practices is primarily
undertaken by the State/UT Governments under the respective Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts
(MFRAs). All the maritime States/UTs have been advised to take necessary steps including habour
based monitoring of fishing vessels, issuance of necessary Government Orders to prevent harmful
fishing within and beyond the territorial waters, monitoring by patrol vessels and drones, and to take
punitive actions against the violators as per the provisions of their respective State MFRAs. As such no
joint patrolling is conducted by State Fisheries Departments & Coast Guard. However, the Coast Guard
ships on their routine patrol, monitor and report the prohibited fishing activities undertaken by fishing
boats at sea to the concerned State Fisheries Authorities for taking necessary action. The action against
illegal fishing activities include seizure of fishing boats, gears, imposition of penalties, or prosecution,
is taken by the competent State authorities as per the MFRAs and other applicable laws.
This information was given by Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan
Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Lok Sabha today in response to a question asked.
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JP
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