Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)
Why in News?
On 14 October 2026, the Union Government approved India’s accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA), allowing Indian vessels and enterprises to undertake authorised high-seas fishing in the SIOFA area.
Core Objectives & Mandate
- Purpose: It is a legally binding international treaty designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources in the high seas of the Southern Indian Ocean.
- Timeline: The agreement was signed in Rome on 7 July 2006 and officially entered into force in June 2012.
- Scope of Species: SIOFA specifically manages non-migratory fish stocks, including squid, toothfish, alfonsino, molluscs, and crustaceans.
- Exclusions: It strictly excludes highly migratory species (like tuna) and sedentary species that already fall under the coastal jurisdiction of specific states.
- The Two RFMOs: The Indian Ocean is governed by two major Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).
- The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) manages highly migratory tuna (India has been a member since 1996).
- SIOFA manages all other deep-sea and sedentary resources.
Benefits for India
- New Economic Frontiers: Currently, Indian fishing vessels operate closely within 60 to 80 nautical miles of the coast. Accession allows commercial fleets to venture into international waters legally.
- Full Governance Say: India gains structural access to SIOFA’s Scientific Committee and Compliance Committee, unlocking vital marine research, data sharing, and stock assessment programs.
- Resource Rights: Indian-flagged vessels will receive legal authorization to harvest high-value deep-sea species safely.
Oversight & Sustainability Rules
- Anti-IUU Fishing: Membership binds India to global efforts in preventing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- High Seas Bordering Scheme: India will actively participate in the High Seas Boarding and Inspection (HSBI) Scheme, strengthening national coastal security and international maritime law enforcement.
- Regulated Access: The opening of these waters does not imply unrestricted fishing; all operations must comply with SIOFA's conservation quotas and protective closures for vulnerable marine ecosystems.
