The Ministry of Law and Justice on February 20, 2026, issued the Lakshadweep Marine Fisheries Regulation, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Regulation promulgated by the President under Article 240 of the Constitution provides a comprehensive legal framework for the sustainable development, management, conservation, and regulation of marine fisheries in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
• It mandates licensing for fishing vessels and offshore platforms operating within specified areas, empowers the Administrator to regulate or prohibit certain fishing activities (including restrictions on vessel classes, gear, juvenile fishing, mesh size, explosives, and fishing hours), and establishes monitoring, control, and surveillance mechanisms in coordination with authorities like the Indian Coast Guard.
• The Regulation prescribes procedures for inspection, seizure, adjudication, appeals, and penalties, including fines, suspension, cancellation of licences, confiscation of vessels, and destruction of prohibited gear for violations.
• It also enables measures for sustainable fishing, scientific management, and ecological protection, including a policy for mariculture leasing.
• The Regulation repeals the Lakshadweep Marine Fishing Regulation, 2000, while saving actions taken under it.
[Notification no. – Act no. 1 of 2026]
