Special emphasis on fisheries of Lakshadweep and Andaman Islands in India's Blue Economy

According to a PIB Delhi report, the Government of India is focusing specifically on the development of the fisheries industry in the islands as part of its Blue Economy. Under this strategy, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be established as major hubs for the growth of tuna, seaweed, and ornamental fish fisheries.

India possesses a coastline of approximately 11,099 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of about 24 lakh sq km, which is rich in vast and diverse marine resources. There is an estimated potential for 58.6 lakh metric tonnes of marine fisheries within India's EEZ. This sector plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of nearly 50 lakh fishermen, while also contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, employment, income generation, and export earnings.

At present, India holds a leading position globally among the top fish and aquaculture producing countries. During the financial year 2025-26, the value of seafood exports stood at approximately ₹73,890 crore, demonstrating the increasing importance of this sector to the national economy and global seafood trade. India's fisheries sector is now evolving from a merely production-centric activity into a dynamic, technology-driven, and value-oriented pillar of the national economy.

The Government of India has significantly increased public investment in the fisheries sector since 2015. So far, ₹39,272 crore has been invested through various schemes and programs. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), large-scale investment plans have been formulated to strengthen fisheries development in the island territories. Under this scheme, ₹218 crore has been allocated for investment in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while a provision of ₹175 crore has been made for Lakshadweep. This investment demonstrates the government's commitment to utilizing the fisheries potential of these strategically important maritime regions.

The Central Budget 2025-26 also emphasized island-centric fisheries development. The budget has prepared a supportive framework for the sustainable use of resources from the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the open sea, with special focus on the Lakshadweep and Andaman-Nicobar Islands. This recognizes the strategic importance of these island territories for accessing underutilized marine fish resources in India's EEZ and its adjacent open seas, keeping sustainability and scientific management at the center for future expansion.

Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold a unique position in India's maritime geography. Together, these two island groups account for approximately 40% of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone. These islands extend India's presence into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, providing access to rich oceanic fishing grounds and major tuna migration routes. The lagoon systems of Lakshadweep, its coral reefs, and the surrounding deep sea waters provide favorable conditions for tuna fishing, seaweed cultivation, and reef-based livelihoods.

On the other hand, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer similar opportunities for the expansion of sustainable fisheries, mariculture, and value-added seafood production due to their vast coastline, diverse marine habitats, and proximity to South-East Asian maritime routes. Their ecological richness and strategic location will assist India in building a more diversified and ocean-based fisheries economy.

The development of tuna is a central focus in the government's strategic roadmap. There are significant untapped stocks of Yellowfin, Skipjack, and Bigeye tuna in the waters surrounding the Lakshadweep and Andaman-Nicobar Islands, which hold robust potential for a sustainable and export-oriented fisheries industry. The government is adopting a science-based and value-chain-driven approach, which includes modern deep-sea vessels, selective fishing methods such as hook and line and pole and line, improved on-board handling, cold-chain expansion, processing and canning facilities, and efficient export linkages.

In Lakshadweep, there is a target to double tuna production to 50,000 tonnes under a five-year plan. For this, deep-sea vessels, mother vessels, and the islands' traditional, ecologically safe pole and line fishing will be utilized. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, fleet modernization and infrastructural development are being accelerated through a dedicated 'Tuna Cluster' under PMMSY, which includes new vessels, upgraded fleets, and expanded cold storage capacity. The strong presence of MPEDA will improve market access and assist in direct exports from the islands.

Apart from tuna, the government is also advancing the seaweed and ornamental fish industries as pillars of the island economy. The clean lagoon systems of Lakshadweep and the coral-rich ecosystems of Andaman-Nicobar are conducive to the sustainable cultivation of seaweed, which can be used in food products, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bio-industrial products. Lakshadweep has been declared a dedicated 'Seaweed Cluster', which plans to develop a reliable seaweed value chain through large-scale cultivation, seed banks, hatcheries, and capacity building.

Ornamental fish also offer high-value opportunities, especially in Lakshadweep, where more than 300 reef-related ornamental species are found. The strategic plan focuses on establishing medium-sized rearing units, promoting conservation-based and controlled collection methods, and improving market access for aquarium species, thereby creating diverse livelihood opportunities for island communities while protecting the marine ecosystem.

To enable this development, the government is focusing on the modernization of fisheries infrastructure in the island territories. Investment is being made across the entire value chain, including fish landing centers, ice plants, cold-chain networks, on-board maintenance equipment, fish aggregating devices, boat-building yards, value-addition units, and systems supporting export facilities.

India's fisheries industry has been a center of economic growth through the utilization of the country's marine resources for decades. The government has made continuous efforts for the development of modern technology and infrastructural facilities in this sector through various schemes.