REGULATION OF FISHING BY FOREIGN VESSELSCentral

Section 8 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981

Notwithstanding anything contained in section 3, the Central Government may, in writing, permit a foreign vessel to be used for fishing within any maritime zone of India for the purpose of carrying out any scientific research or investigation or for any experimental fishing in accordance with such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.

Summary

The Central Government can grant special permission for foreign vessels to fish in Indian maritime zones.
This permission is strictly for scientific research, investigation, or experimental fishing.
The permission must be given in writing.
This special rule overrides the general ban on foreign fishing found in Section 3 of the Act.
Any permitted fishing must follow specific terms and conditions set by the government.

Practical examples

1Dr. Smith from a Japanese university wants to study deep-sea squids in Indian waters in late 2027. She applies for and receives written permission from the Central Government to catch them strictly for her research.

2A Norwegian marine technology company wants to test a new environmentally friendly fishing net on November 10, 2026. The government grants them a written permit to conduct this experimental fishing.

FAQ

1. Can foreign vessels fish for research purposes?

Yes, but only if they have written permission from the Central Government.

2. What special kinds of fishing are allowed under this rule?

Scientific research, investigation, and experimental fishing.

3. Does the general ban on foreign fishing stop research vessels?

No, this section creates a specific exception to the general ban if the right permission is granted.

Test yourself

Q1.How does Section 8 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981 interact with the general prohibition on foreign fishing found in Section 3 of the same Act?

Q2.If Section 3 forbids foreign fishing, what specific activities can still be permitted under Section 8 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981?

Q3.Who has the power to permit scientific fishing under Section 8 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981?

Q4.In what format must the permission be given under Section 8 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981?

Q5.Are there any rules to follow once permission is granted under Section 8 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981?

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