On 14 October 2026, the Central Government of India approved the country’s accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). The agreement provides a regional framework for managing fisheries resources in the Southern Indian Ocean.
SIOFA’s Scope and Membership
SIOFA covers fish, molluscs, crustaceans and other sedentary species within its area of application. It excludes highly migratory species and sedentary species that fall under the jurisdiction of coastal states. The agreement was signed in Rome on 7 July 2006 and entered into force in June 2012. Before the approval, India had held Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) status since 2022. That status limited India’s participation in decision-making processes. The agreement has ten existing contracting parties, including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and Spain.
India’s Participation in Fisheries Management
Accession authorises Indian-flagged fishing vessels and enterprises to fish within SIOFA’s jurisdiction for squid, toothfish, alfonsino and other non-migratory fish stocks. India will be able to participate in the Scientific Committee and the Compliance Committee. These bodies provide for access to scientific data, research programmes and stock assessments. India’s accession follows the Government of India’s Guidelines for High Sea Fisheries, issued in December 2025. SIOFA provides a regional framework for fishing activity in international waters and applies to high-seas fisheries resources within its area.
Monitoring and High-Seas Governance
The accession enables India to participate in the High Seas Boarding and Inspection (HSBI) Scheme. The scheme concerns boarding and inspection in high-seas fisheries management. India’s approved accession is also linked to its participation in international fisheries governance and its Blue Economy priorities.
Important Facts for Exams
- SIOFA was signed in Rome on 7 July 2006.
- SIOFA entered into force in June 2012.
- India became a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party to SIOFA in 2022.
- SIOFA excludes highly migratory species from its scope.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying confirmed that Indian-flagged vessels and enterprises will be authorised to fish for specified stocks under SIOFA. India’s approved accession followed the issuance of national Guidelines for High Sea Fisheries in December 2025.
