Odisha Marine Bill for Blue Economy

Odisha Marine Bill Promotes Sustainable Blue Economy Growth

Why in News ?

The Odisha Cabinet has approved the proposed Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Bill, 2026, aimed at modernising marine fisheries governance, strengthening coastal security, promoting sustainable fishing, and boosting the State’s blue economy potential through comprehensive environmental clearance mechanisms.

Odisha Marine Bill for Blue Economy

Key Features of the Proposed Marine Fishing Bill

  • The proposed legislation seeks to replace the outdated Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, incorporating modern environmental jurisprudence principles.
  • The Bill aims to create a modern legal framework for sustainable development of marine fisheries and coastal livelihoods, aligned with environmental impact assessment requirements.
  • It introduces provisions for regulating deep-sea fishing, mariculture, seaweed cultivation, and artificial reef deployment, subject to appropriate environmental clearances under the EIA notification framework.
  • The legislation also promotes environmentally sustainable fishing practices and conservation of marine ecosystems, ensuring a pollution free environment for future generations.
  • Officials expect the new framework to increase Odisha’s seafood exports to nearly ₹25,000 crore by 2036.

Sustainable Fisheries and Coastal Development

  • Odisha has a coastline of over 480 kilometres falling under coastal regulation zone norms and supports nearly 15 lakh fishermen, making fisheries an important economic sector.
  • The Bill proposes integrated infrastructure development, including modernization of fishing harbours and fish landing centres, ensuring compliance with coastal regulation zone guidelines and environmental democracy principles.
  • The government aims to promote the Blue Economy model by balancing marine resource utilisation with ecological sustainability, applying the precautionary principle and polluter pays principle in all developmental activities.
  • Modern technologies such as communication systems, surveillance equipment, and biometric or QR-coded identification for fishermen are proposed, avoiding any ex post facto regulatory complications.
  • The legislation seeks to improve fishermen’s safety, insurance coverage, and disaster preparedness along coastal regions, preventing the need for retrospective environmental clearances through proactive planning.

About Blue Economy and Marine Conservation:

●  The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean and marine resources for economic growth, livelihoods, and ecosystem health, integrating environmental impact assessment protocols.

●  India has a coastline of over 7,500 km, making marine resources important for fisheries, trade, tourism, and energy security, governed by coastal regulation zone regulations.

●  Sustainable fishing practices help prevent overfishing, conserve biodiversity, and protect marine habitats, following principles established in the Vanashakti judgment and environmental jurisprudence.

●  Mariculture involves the cultivation of marine organisms such as fish, seaweed, and shellfish in coastal waters, requiring proper environmental clearances similar to provisions under the Forest Conservation Act.

●  Coastal security is strategically important for India due to concerns related to illegal fishing, smuggling, infiltration, and maritime surveillance, promoting environmental democracy through community participation.