Sri Vijaya Puram, July 20: The Department of Fisheries has directed all mechanized fishing vessel owners and stakeholders in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to strictly comply with the provisions of the A&N Islands Marine Fishing Regulation, 2003, the A&N Islands Marine Fishing Rules, 2004, and subsequent amendments, warning that violations involving prohibited fishing zones and unauthorized fishing gear will invite legal action.
The advisory, issued by the Zonal Fisheries Office, South Andaman, reinforces existing regulations governing mechanized fishing operations and highlights the Administration’s focus on sustainable management of marine fishery resources. The Department has cautioned that non-compliance with the prescribed operational limits and gear specifications will attract penalties, fines and other actions under the applicable rules.
According to the advisory, mechanized fishing vessels fitted with engines of 30 horsepower capacity and above are prohibited from undertaking fishing operations within the 0-6 nautical mile zone. Such vessels are also barred from operating in creeks, channels, estuaries and other prohibited areas identified under the regulations.
The Department stated that, under the A&N Islands Marine Fishing (Amendment) Rules, 2025, mechanized fishing vessels are permitted to operate only in the 6-12 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters. Fishing operations in this zone must be carried out only with approved fishing gears, including gillnet, long line, hook and line, and pelagic trawl net.
The advisory also prescribes mandatory mesh size requirements for fishing gear used by mechanized vessels equipped with engines of 30 HP capacity and above. Vessel owners have been directed to use gillnets with a mesh size of not less than 25 mm and pelagic trawl nets with a cod-end mesh size of not less than 30 mm.
Further, the Department has reiterated that the use of knotless gillnets made of monofilament twine, locally known as plastic jaal, remains strictly prohibited. Fishing vessel owners and operators have been advised to ensure that only authorized fishing gear is used during operations.
The Fisheries Department has warned that any violation of the Marine Fishing Regulation and Rules, including fishing in prohibited waters or the use of unauthorized fishing gear, will result in strict legal action. Such action may include the imposition of penalties, fines and other measures provided under the governing regulations.
The advisory has been issued for all mechanized fishing vessel owners and associated stakeholders engaged in marine fishing activities in the Islands. The Department has called upon fishermen and vessel operators to cooperate in ensuring sustainable fisheries management and the long-term conservation of marine fishery resources through strict adherence to the prescribed regulatory framework.
