#1ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Top ↑Purse Seine Fishing Regulatory Framework
ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development
The Supreme Court recently observed that the Union and State Governments must abide by the principle of cooperative federalism to ensure effective implementation of the regulatory framework governing purse seine fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and territorial waters.
ЁЯФ╣ Key Conceptual & Analytical Details
Purse seines are used in the open ocean to target dense schools of single-species pelagic fish (up to 600 feet deep) using a huge wall of netting. Once encircled, the net is closed underneath by hauling the purse line, a process called 'pursing'. While efficient and having no seabed contact, it faces bans in several states due to concerns over depleting stocks of small pelagic fish (sardines, mackerel) and accidental catch of at-risk varieties like turtles. Fishing is a State subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Importance & Future Impact
Currently, bans are implemented in territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles by Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Odisha, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Balancing marine conservation with fishermen's livelihoods requires rigorous center-state coordination.
ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION
тАвState / Entity Name: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying / Coastal States
тАвNodal Ministry / Agency: Department of Fisheries
тАвKey Metric / Target / Article: Seventh Schedule (State List on Fisheries)
тАвUPPCS Prelims Trend & PYQ Relevance: High probability for questions on fishing methods and federal jurisdiction.