SIOFA: Centre approves India’s accession to Indian Ocean fisheries pact
Why in the news
On 14 October 2026, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said the government had approved India’s accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA), giving India full membership.
Key facts
- Earlier status: India had been a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) since 2022, a status with limited say in decisions.
- Committees: Full membership opens seats on SIOFA’s Scientific Committee and Compliance Committee, plus access to stock assessments and research data.
- Species: Indian vessels may carry out authorised fishing of squid, toothfish, alfonsino and other non-migratory stocks in the SIOFA area.
- IUU fishing: India will work with other parties to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
- HSBI Scheme: India can take part in the High Seas Boarding and Inspection Scheme adopted under SIOFA, aiding maritime security.
- Blue Economy: The move supports India’s Blue Economy goals; high seas cover about 65% of the global ocean, while Indian vessels mostly operate within 60-80 nautical miles of the EEZ.
| Body | Stocks managed | India’s status |
|---|---|---|
| SIOFA | Non-migratory high-seas stocks | CNCP since 2022; accession approved 2026 |
| IOTC | Tuna and tuna-like highly migratory species | Contracting party since 1996 |
About SIOFA
SIOFA was signed in Rome in July 2006 and came into force in June 2012. It is one of the two major regional fisheries management arrangements in the Indian Ocean, the other being the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. India issued guidelines for high-seas fisheries in December 2025.
Exam angle
- SIOFA expands to Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement.
- SIOFA manages non-migratory stocks; IOTC handles tuna.
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.