Government Announces Tuna Cluster Development in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Enhance Fisheries Sector

The government has announced plans to establish a tuna cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This initiative is part of efforts to enhance the fisheries sector. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has confirmed this development under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands present a significant opportunity for fisheries expansion. The region boasts approximately 6 lakh square km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), rich in under-utilised marine resources. These include high-value species like tuna, estimated at 60,000 tonnes. The islands' proximity to Southeast Asian nations facilitates efficient trade by sea and air.

Fisheries Development and Economic Growth

The pristine waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands support sustainable fishing practices. Effective administrative measures further enhance the region's potential to harness marine resources for economic benefits. The ministry highlighted that this initiative aims to generate economies of scale, boost incomes, and promote organised growth in fisheries nationwide.

The government's focus on critical investments includes organising investor meetings to build partnerships with tuna-fishing countries. Additionally, training and capacity-building programs, along with exposure visits for stakeholders, are planned. These efforts aim to strengthen the sector's infrastructure and capabilities.

Government Initiatives in Fisheries Sector

Over the last ten years, the government has transformed the fisheries sector through flagship initiatives. These include the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and the Blue Revolution. Since 2015, an investment of Rs 38,572 crore has been made in these initiatives.

The notification of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a tuna cluster is expected to bring about organised growth in fisheries across India. The ministry stated that this development would help increase incomes and create economies of scale within the sector.

The initiative aims to focus on strategic investments such as organising investor meetings to foster partnerships with tuna-fishing nations. Training and capacity-building programs, along with exposure visits for stakeholders, are also part of the plan.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands' strategic location near Southeast Asia enhances trade efficiency via sea and air routes. This geographical advantage supports sustainable fishing practices in its pristine waters, making it ideal for fisheries development.

This initiative is anticipated to accelerate growth in India's fisheries sector by leveraging the region's marine resources effectively.