The Government of Odisha on September 23, 2026. introduced the Odisha Marine Fishing (Prohibition and Regulation) Bill, 2026, under Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Odisha Legislative Assembly. It seeks to regulate, restrict and prohibit fishing by fishing vessels and fishermen along the State’s coastline and provide for the protection, conservation and management of marine fisheries resources.
The Bill proposes a regulatory framework covering fishing licences, fishing vessels and gear, fishing harbours and landing centres, deep-sea fishing, mariculture, artificial reefs, fish aggregating devices and monitoring, control, surveillance and communication systems. It defines key terms relating to marine fishing and provides for licensing and registering authorities, authorised officers, adjudicating officers and an Appellate Board. The proposed framework also provides for designated no-fishing zones and enforcement powers, subject to the relevant provisions of the Bill.
The Bill states that it will extend throughout Odisha and come into force on a date appointed by the State Government through a separate notification. As the provided extract concerns a Bill introduced in the Assembly, it should not be treated as proof that the legislation has been enacted or brought into force.
[Odisha Gazette Extraordinary No. 4387]
