New Delhi: The Government of India is stepping up efforts to develop the marine fisheries potential of Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a focus on high-value fisheries, modern infrastructure and sustainable use of ocean resources.
India has a coastline of approximately 11,099 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spanning nearly 24 lakh sq. km. Its estimated marine fisheries potential within the EEZ stands at 58.6 lakh metric tonnes. The sector supports the livelihoods of nearly 50 lakh fishers and contributes to food security, employment, income generation and exports.
India is among the world's leading fisheries and aquaculture producers. Seafood exports were valued at around Rs 73,890 crore in FY 2025-26. Since 2015, the Centre has committed Rs 39,272 crore through various schemes and programmes to strengthen the fisheries sector.
Rs 393 Crore Allocated to Island Fisheries Development
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), investments of Rs 218 crore have been envisaged for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Rs 175 crore for Lakshadweep.
The Union Budget 2025-26 also outlined a framework for sustainable use of fisheries resources in the EEZ and the High Seas, with particular emphasis on these two island territories. The approach aims to tap underutilised marine resources while keeping scientific management and sustainability central to expansion.
Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands together account for nearly 40 per cent of India's EEZ. Their location across the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal gives them access to important oceanic fishing grounds and tuna migration routes.
Lakshadweep's lagoons, coral reefs and surrounding deep-sea waters offer opportunities for tuna fishing, seaweed cultivation and reef-based livelihoods. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their extensive coastline and diverse marine habitats, have potential for sustainable fisheries, mariculture and value-added seafood production.
Tuna Fisheries at the Centre of the Strategy
Tuna has emerged as a key focus of the government's plans for high-value marine fisheries. The waters around both island groups have underutilised stocks of Yellowfin, Skipjack and Bigeye tuna, offering scope for sustainable, export-oriented fishing.
The proposed approach combines modern deep-sea vessels and selective fishing methods, including hook-and-line and pole-and-line fishing, with better onboard handling, cold-chain facilities, processing, canning and export infrastructure.
In Lakshadweep, a five-year plan aims to double tuna production to 50,000 tonnes. It envisages the induction of deep-sea vessels and mother vessels, alongside support for the islands' traditional pole-and-line fishery.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a dedicated Tuna Cluster under PMMSY is supporting fleet modernisation and infrastructure development. Plans include new vessels, upgrades to existing fishing fleets and additional cold-storage capacity. The strengthened presence of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is also expected to improve market access and facilitate direct exports from the islands.
Seaweed and Ornamental Fisheries to Diversify Livelihoods
The government is also promoting seaweed cultivation and ornamental fisheries to expand economic opportunities beyond capture fishing.
Lakshadweep has been notified as a dedicated Seaweed Cluster. The development plan includes large-scale cultivation, seed banks, hatcheries and capacity-building initiatives to establish a reliable supply chain. Seaweed has potential applications in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other bio-industrial products.
Ornamental fisheries offer another opportunity, particularly in Lakshadweep, which is home to more than 300 reef-associated ornamental species. Plans include medium-scale rearing units, regulated collection practices and improved market access for sustainably sourced aquarium species.
These initiatives are intended to create additional livelihood opportunities while protecting the islands' fragile marine ecosystems.
Infrastructure and Market Access
Modernising fisheries infrastructure is another major part of the development strategy. Investments are being directed towards fish landing centres, ice plants, cold-chain networks, onboard preservation systems, fish aggregating devices, boat-building yards, value-addition facilities and export infrastructure.
The improvements are expected to strengthen local processing capacity, reduce post-harvest losses and help island-based fisheries reach domestic and international markets.
Together, the initiatives seek to build a more diversified marine economy in the island territories by connecting fisheries production with processing, research, infrastructure and market access. Their long-term success will depend on balancing higher production with ecological safeguards and ensuring that local fishers and enterprises benefit from the emerging value chains.
