Centre earmarks ₹393 crore for island fisheries development, targets tuna and seaweed production
Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands will receive investments under PMMSY to develop tuna fisheries, seaweed cultivation, cold-chain infrastructure and seafood exports.
The initiative forms part of the government's strategy to expand high-value marine fisheries and improve the economic potential of India's island territories, which together account for nearly 40% of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
NEW DELHI: The Centre has earmarked investments of ₹393 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for fisheries development in Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with a focus on tuna production, seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries and export infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the proposed investment includes ₹218 crore for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and ₹175 crore for Lakshadweep.
The initiative forms part of the government’s strategy to expand high-value marine fisheries and improve the economic potential of India’s island territories, which together account for nearly 40% of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
India has an estimated marine fisheries potential of 58.6 lakh metric tonnes within its EEZ of nearly 24 lakh square kilometres. The fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of approximately 50 lakh fishers, while seafood exports reached around ₹73,890 crore during 2025-26, according to government figures.
Since 2015, the Centre has committed ₹39,272 crore to fisheries development through various schemes and programmes.
Lakshadweep targets 50,000 tonnes of tuna production
Tuna fisheries are a major component of the island development strategy, particularly in waters surrounding Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The government has identified Yellowfin, Skipjack and Bigeye tuna as commercially important species with potential for increased production and exports.
In Lakshadweep, a five-year development plan aims to double tuna production to 50,000 tonnes through the introduction of deep-sea fishing vessels, mother vessels and improved fishing infrastructure.
The plan also seeks to strengthen traditional pole-and-line fishing, a selective method that can reduce unintended catches compared with some other commercial fishing techniques.
In the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a dedicated Tuna Cluster under PMMSY is intended to support fleet modernisation, additional fishing vessels, cold storage facilities and improved seafood handling.
The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is also expected to strengthen its presence in the islands to facilitate market access and direct seafood exports.
Seaweed cultivation and ornamental fisheries
Beyond tuna, the government is promoting seaweed cultivation as an alternative source of income for island communities.
Lakshadweep has been notified as a dedicated Seaweed Cluster, with plans for cultivation facilities, seed banks, hatcheries and training programmes.
Seaweed has commercial applications in food processing, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other industries.
Ornamental fisheries are another area identified for development, particularly in Lakshadweep, where more than 300 reef-associated ornamental species have been reported.
The proposed initiatives include medium-scale rearing facilities, regulated collection practices and market linkages for sustainably sourced aquarium species.
The government says conservation measures will form part of the strategy to protect coral reefs and other sensitive marine ecosystems.
Cold-chain and processing infrastructure
The fisheries development programme also envisages investments in fish landing centres, ice plants, cold-chain networks, onboard preservation systems, fish aggregating devices, boat-building facilities and seafood processing units.
These facilities are intended to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality and enable island-based fishing enterprises to reach domestic and international markets.
The Union Budget 2025-26 had outlined a framework for the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources in the EEZ and the high seas, with particular emphasis on Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The government’s approach seeks to combine increased marine production with local value addition, scientific resource management and livelihood opportunities for island communities.
However, the expansion of tuna fishing, seaweed cultivation and ornamental fisheries will require safeguards to protect coral reefs, marine biodiversity and fish stocks, alongside monitoring of the environmental impact of new infrastructure.
