These Rules are made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 15 read with clause (a) of sub-section (4) of section 7 of the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976 (80 of 1976). All motorised fishing vessel with overall length of twenty-four meters and above and mechanised fishing vessel shall require an access pass to operate in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). No access pass shall be required for motorised fishing vessel having overall length less than twenty-four metres except those exclusively engaged in fishing of tuna and tuna like species. The process for issuing of access pass is laid down. The Central Government, in consultation with scientific institutions, coastal states, fishers and their associations shall specify fisheries management plans following ecosystem approach for sustainable fisheries in the exclusive economic zone. A National Plan of Action shall be issued by the Central Government to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The Marine Products Export Development Authority and the Export Inspection Council may issue catch certificate and health certificate, respectively, to the fish caught by the fishing vessel for the purposes of traceability, compliance with sanitary standards, and eco-labelling, in accordance with applicable national and international regulations. The rules relating to transshipment, catch reporting, fishers and crew identity are laid down. The Rules prohibit destructive fishing, juvenile fishing and fishing in No Fishing Zones and during ban imposed by Central Government.