The total world catch of the major commercial species of tunas (albacore, bigeye, bluefin, skipjack and yellowfin) has increased almost several folds in the recent years. Tuna species are a significant source of food in many countries. Of the many areas identified for increase in fish production by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), harvesting of the underutilized deep sea resources such as tuna and tuna-like species is one of them. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, support for acquisition of Deep sea fishing vessels for traditional fishermen, Up gradation of existing fishing vessels for export Competency and Establishment of Bio-toilets in mechanised fishing vessels are supported. As part of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, Introduction of Deep Sea Fishing Vessels is supported. Eligibility criteria Only traditional/artisanal fishermen and their societies/associations/ SHGs/ FFPOs are eligible. Beneficiary should possess valid ownership certificate, Registration certificate under the ReALCraft, fishing license and Biometric ID cards offishers/QR coded Aadhar card. The governmental assistance is restricted to (a) 1 unit per individual beneficiary, (b) 2 units per group/society (of at least 10 members) in case of Groups of traditional/artisanal fishermen i.e. traditional/artisanal fishermen SHGs/Joint Liability Groups (JLGs)/ traditional/artisanal Fisher Cooperatives etc. or those undertaken in a cluster/area approach. However, a cluster/area may have multiple groups/societies. As far as FFPOs/Cs are concerned, the modalities of implementation and upper ceiling on the total units eligible for support would be decided by the CAC. Pattern of Assistance Sl. No. Name of the Activity/Scheme Unit Cost Pattern of assistance 1 Support for acquisition of Deep-sea fishing vessels for traditional fishermen (PMMSY) Introduction of Deep Sea Fishing Vessels (FIDF) Rs 120 lakhs Rs 80 lakhs General - 40% - Rs 48 lakhs SC/ST/Women - (60%) - Rs 92 lakhs 2 Up gradation of existing fishing vessels for export Competency Rs 15 lakhs General - 40% - Rs 6 lakhs SC/ST/Women - (60%) - Rs 9 lakhs 3 Establishment of Biotoilets in mechanised fishing vessels Rs 0.50 lakhs General - 40% - Rs 0.2 lakhs SC/ST/Women - (60%) - Rs 0.3 lakhs Source: National Fisheries Development Board