India to accede to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)

India’s accession to SIOFA: what happened?

Fishing beyond national waters is governed by regional fisheries bodies. A country that is not a full member has little say in catch rules and science. India issued Guidelines for High Sea Fisheries in December 2025; joining SIOFA gives those guidelines a regional framework in the southern Indian Ocean.

• On 14 October 2026 the Centre approved India’s accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). India moves from Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (since 2022) to full Contracting Party.
• Indian-flagged vessels can then fish squids, toothfish, alfonsino and other non-migratory stocks in the SIOFA area, and India joins the Scientific and Compliance Committees and the High Seas Boarding and Inspection Scheme.

What is SIOFA?

• A Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO) for the southern Indian Ocean.
• It covers fish, molluscs, crustaceans and other sedentary species in its area.
• It excludes highly migratory species listed in Annex I of UNCLOS, and sedentary species under coastal-State jurisdiction (Article 77(4) of UNCLOS).
• It has adopted a High Seas Boarding and Inspection (HSBI) Scheme, set to be implemented.

How does SIOFA differ from IOTC?

Which constitutional entry and treaty rules apply?

• Seventh Schedule, List I Entry 57: “Fishing and fisheries beyond territorial waters.” High seas fishing policy is a Union subject.
• UNCLOS Annex I species (highly migratory) fall outside SIOFA; they are for tuna bodies such as IOTC.
• UNCLOS Article 77(4) sedentary species under coastal-State jurisdiction are also outside SIOFA.

Who fishes the high seas today?

High seas are about 65% of the global ocean (PIB backgrounder).

What does full membership change for India?

From CNCP to Contracting Party

1. CNCP since 2022: limited role in decisions
2. Accession approved (14 Oct 2026)
3. Full seat in Scientific Committee and Compliance Committee
4. Access to scientific data, research and stock assessments
5. Authorised fishing by Indian-flagged vessels; part of HSBI Scheme

Why does India’s accession to SIOFA matter?

What are the challenges in India’s accession to SIOFA?

• India’s fleet mostly works close to its coast; rights mean little without vessels, gear and crew for deep-sea trips.
• Five fleets already dominate high seas catch; Indian entrants will compete with experienced operators.
• Membership brings duties: catch reporting, inspection and compliance rules apply to Indian vessels too.
• Sustainable limits set by the Scientific Committee may cap how much new fishing is allowed.

What should be done next on India’s accession to SIOFA?

• Build deep-sea fishing capacity under the December 2025 high seas guidelines.
• Train crews and set up catch-reporting systems before vessels go out.
• Use the Scientific Committee seat to bring Indian research into stock assessments.
• Seek access agreements in other countries’ EEZs, as the Ministry suggests.

What can Prelims ask on India’s accession to SIOFA?

• SIOFA = RFMO for non-migratory stocks in the southern Indian Ocean.
• India: CNCP since 2022; accession approved 14 Oct 2026.
• IOTC: tuna and tuna-like species; India a party since 1996.
• Excluded: UNCLOS Annex I species; sedentary species under Art 77(4).
• High seas about 65% of the ocean; China 21% leads.
• List I Entry 57: fishing beyond territorial waters.

How to write about India’s accession to SIOFA in Mains

Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): “India’s blue economy cannot stay within sight of its coast.” Discuss in the light of India’s accession to SIOFA. (150 words)

• Intro: accession approved; CNCP since 2022.
• What SIOFA gives: species access, committee seats, data, HSBI.
• Why now: December 2025 guidelines; fleet within 60 to 80 nautical miles; big five dominate.
• Challenges: capacity, compliance, catch limits.
• Conclusion: capacity building plus rule-based fishing.