Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 November 2025
The Department of Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration celebrated World Fisheries Day 2025 on Friday at the Tagore Government College of Education Auditorium, Middle Point, with national emphasis on “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Products.” Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, graced the programme as the chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner (SA) Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, and Secretary (Fisheries) Ms. Purva Garg, IAS, attended as guests of honour.
In a landmark development for the Islands’ fisheries sector, the Administration formally launched open-sea cage culture — a first for the Union Territory — marking a major step toward expanding sustainable aquaculture. Leasing orders were handed over to selected beneficiaries by the Chief Secretary, who interacted with them and assured continued institutional support.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kumar underscored the importance of marine conservation and responsible fishing practices, reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to boosting the fisheries economy. He emphasized the Islands’ potential to emerge as a leading hub for sustainable seafood production and export, with opportunities for strengthening cold-chain infrastructure, product quality, and branding, particularly for tuna in global markets.
The Chief Secretary also launched a Training Manual and documentary films on Seaweed Cultivation, developed following a 45-day skill-building programme for Self Help Groups. These knowledge resources, he noted, would help enhance livelihood opportunities and empower coastal communities. He encouraged stakeholders to adopt scientific fishing methods and tap emerging technologies for higher productivity and economic resilience.
Earlier, Director of Fisheries Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening small-scale fisheries, including seaweed cultivation and mariculture activities that promise significant economic benefits for islanders.
As part of the celebrations, the Department held essay writing, quiz, and poster competitions involving students from JNRM, Pondicherry University, and local senior secondary schools, focusing on fisheries potential and marine biodiversity of the Islands. Winners were felicitated during the programme.
Awards were also presented to outstanding contributors in the fisheries sector, including Best Fish Farmer, Best Trader, Best Aquaculturist, Best Cooperative Society, Best Fish Processing Entrepreneur, field officers, and Sagar Mitras from across the three districts.
Technical sessions led by experts from Fisheries Survey of India, ICAR-CIARI, and ACOSTI–NIOT shed light on sustainable harnessing of marine resources, tuna cluster development, and mariculture prospects in the Islands, encouraging collaborative learning and innovation.
Joint Director (Fisheries) Mr. Bhargav Chakravarty proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of dignitaries, participants, partner institutions, and stakeholders. The observance concluded with a shared resolve to build a sustainable and progressive future for the fisheries sector in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
