Sri Vijaya Puram | November 11, 2026
The Government of India has allocated an investment of ₹218 crore for fisheries development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with a focus on tapping the islands’ marine resources and strengthening the fisheries-based economy.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying through PIB on November 10, the investment is part of the Centre’s broader strategy to position India’s island territories at the forefront of the country’s Blue Economy initiatives. Lakshadweep has been earmarked ₹175 crore under the same initiative.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their extensive coastline, diverse marine habitats and proximity to Southeast Asian maritime routes, have significant potential for sustainable fisheries, mariculture and value-added seafood production.
The development of tuna fisheries has emerged as a key component of the Government’s strategy for expanding high-value marine fisheries. The waters surrounding the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to substantial underutilised stocks of Yellowfin, Skipjack and Bigeye tuna, offering opportunities for sustainable and export-oriented fishing.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a dedicated Tuna Cluster under PMMSY is facilitating fleet modernisation and infrastructure development. The initiative includes the induction of new vessels, upgrading of fishing fleets and expansion of 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.
Apart from tuna fisheries, the Government is also promoting seaweed cultivation and ornamental fisheries as complementary sectors to diversify livelihood opportunities in the island territories.
The coral-rich marine ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer favourable conditions for sustainable seaweed cultivation, which has applications in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and bio-industrial products.
The broader fisheries development strategy also envisages modernisation of infrastructure, including fish landing centres, ice plants, cold-chain networks, onboard preservation systems, fish aggregating devices, boat-building yards and value-addition facilities.
These interventions are aimed at strengthening local capacities, reducing post-harvest losses and improving the ability of island-based fisheries to access domestic and international markets.
The press release further stated that the Union Budget 2025-26 had outlined an enabling framework for the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources from India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas, with special emphasis on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
The Government’s long-term approach seeks to link tuna fisheries, seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries, infrastructure development and improved market access while ensuring ecological safeguards and greater participation of local fishers and island communities in emerging value chains.
