India to join UN Convention to conserve migratory fish

India on Thursday decided to be part of a UN convention that would give it the right to inspect vessels suspected of violating laws of the sea.

India on Thursday decided to be part of a UN convention that would give it the right to inspect vessels suspected of violating laws of the sea as also cooperate with other nations in conservation and management of straddling and highly migratory fish.

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Although India did not sign the UN Convention on Law of the Sea, government has now decided to be part of it as there was over-exploitation of migratory and straddling fish when they migrate to high seas or into the waters of neighbouring countries, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters after a cabinet meeting where the decision was taken.

"The conservation and management of fish is necessary not only in exclusive economic zones but also in high seas," Swaraj said.

"Developing nations will not only have the right to voice their concerns on conservation and management of fish stocks, which are being over-exploited in their adjacent high sea areas, but also have the right to inspect vessels suspected of violation of provisions of the agreement," she said.