What Are The Penalties For Illegal Fishing?

Illegal fishing poses serious threats to marine ecosystems, fish stock sustainability, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. India, with a vast coastline of over 7,500 km, has established a robust legal and enforcement framework to regulate fishing activities within its territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles) and Exclusive Economic Zone (up to 200 nautical miles). These laws seek to prevent unauthorized fishing, use of banned fishing gear, fishing during closed seasons, and encroachment by foreign vessels.

Detailed Legal Framework and Penalties:

Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (State Level):

• Every coastal state (such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh) has enacted its own Marine Fishing Regulation Act or Rules tailored to local ecological and socio-economic conditions.
• These Acts prohibit fishing in designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), during breeding seasons, or by using prohibited gear (e.g., mechanized trawlers in shallow waters).
• Penalties often include hefty fines (₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 or more), imprisonment up to 6 months, and confiscation of vessels and fishing equipment.
• Repeat offenses can lead to cancellation or suspension of fishing licenses.

Indian Fisheries Act, 1897:

• Central legislation aimed at the conservation and management of fishery resources.
• Penalizes illegal fishing methods, damage to fishery habitats, and unauthorized exploitation.
• Offenders may face fines up to ₹25,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months.

Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981:

• Regulates fishing activities by foreign vessels in India’s EEZ.
• Unauthorized foreign fishing is illegal, with severe penalties including seizure of vessels, heavy fines, and imprisonment for crew and owners.
• Foreign vessels are required to obtain permits and follow Indian laws strictly.

Customs Act, 1962 and Indian Ports Act, 1908:

• Provide additional powers to seize and detain vessels involved in illegal fishing, especially in territorial waters and ports.

Confiscation and Seizure:

• Fishing vessels, gear, catch, and sometimes crew documents are seized upon detection of illegal fishing.
• Seized assets may be auctioned after legal proceedings, with proceeds sometimes used for marine conservation.

Imprisonment and Fines:

• Fines vary by state and offense severity but can be substantial (₹10,000 to several lakhs).
• Imprisonment can range from 3 months to 3 years depending on the nature and recurrence of the offense.

License Suspension and Cancellation:

• Fishing licenses may be suspended for months or revoked permanently for serious or repeated violations.

Coastal Surveillance and Enforcement:

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), state maritime police, and fisheries departments conduct regular patrols and inspections.
• Use of technology like radar, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and satellite tracking helps detect and deter illegal activities.

Environmental and International Obligations:

• India’s commitments under international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) reinforce domestic regulations.
• Conservation of endangered species and protection of marine biodiversity are integral to fishing laws.

Example:

In 2023, a mechanized fishing trawler was caught operating inside a Marine Protected Area near the Mumbai coast. The vessel was seized by the Coast Guard, and the owner was fined ₹2,00,000 under Maharashtra’s Marine Fishing Regulation Act. The fishing license was suspended for two years, and the fishing nets were confiscated. The crew faced prosecution under relevant sections of the Indian Fisheries Act for using illegal fishing gear, emphasizing strict enforcement of anti-illegal fishing laws.