Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement

Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement Latest News

Recently, the central government has approved India’s accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). 

About Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement

• It is an international fishing agreement signed in Rome on 7th July 2006 and entered into force in June 2012.
• It is aimed at enhancing its role in managing ocean resources and creating opportunities for Indian fishing vessels to operate in the southern Indian Ocean while adhering to international regulations.
• Objectives
  • To ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the fishery resources in the area through cooperation among the Contracting Parties.
  • To promote the sustainable development of fisheries in the Area
  • The SIOFA Agreement covers fishery resources including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and other sedentary species within the area, but excluding highly migratory species (Annex I of UNCLOS).
• Structure
  • Meeting of the Parties: It is the governing body of SIOFA and is composed of all the Contracting Parties. It meets at least annually.
  • Scientific Committee: It is a subsidiary body that acts as an advisory body to the Meeting of the Parties. It conducts scientific assessment, encourages and promotes cooperation and provides scientific advice.
  • Secretariat: Implements and coordinates the administrative provisions of the Agreement and maintains records of the proceedings of the Meeting of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies.

India and SIOFA

• As of now, India is classified as a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) to the SIOFA, which limits its participation in decision-making processes from 2022.
• Significance to India
  • Accession as a Contracting Party would enable India to participate fully in these bodies and provide access to scientific data, research programmes, and stock assessments.
  • It will open up new fishing opportunities for the Indian fishers and entrepreneurs.
  • India will also play a key role in preserving marine resources, ensuring their long-term viability and supporting the livelihoods of Indian fishing communities.

Source: PIB

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