A Tuna Cluster for the Andamans and a Seaweed Cluster for Lakshadweep as island fisheries anchor the Blue Economy
10 November 2026
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying says the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep now sit at the centre of India's Blue Economy plans. The two island groups together account for nearly 40% of India's Exclusive Economic Zone. A dedicated Tuna Cluster has been set up in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Lakshadweep has been notified as a Seaweed Cluster, and its five-year plan aims to double tuna production to 50,000 tonnes using deep-sea vessels and pole and line fishing. Lakshadweep also hosts over 300 reef-associated ornamental species. The Marine Products Export Development Authority is expected to help island exports reach buyers. Public investment in the sector has touched ₹39,272 crore since 2015, and seafood exports were about ₹73,890 crore in FY 2025-26.
In plain words
PMMSY Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana — The Centre's flagship fisheries development scheme, run by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
MPEDA Marine Products Export Development Authority — A statutory body with headquarters at Kochi that promotes India's marine product exports.
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone — The sea belt up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline where a coastal state has rights over resources.