The Government of India has announced the creation of a dedicated tuna cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, aiming to strengthen the country’s fisheries sector under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), according to an official release from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
This strategic move is projected to harness economies of scale, increase revenue for local communities, and support organized growth within India’s fisheries industry. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer extensive potential for marine development, boasting around 600,000 square kilometres of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) abundant in underutilized sea resources. Among these resources are valuable tuna and related species, with a projected stock of approximately 60,000 tonnes.
Situated near Southeast Asian trade routes, the islands provide convenient access for both sea and air transport, while the pristine waters support sustainable fishing. “Supported by well-planned administrative strategies, the region is primed to optimize its marine assets for economic progress,” noted the ministry.
This initiative will emphasize critical investments, including organizing investor forums to establish connections with tuna-fishing nations and delivering training and capacity-building programs. Additionally, exposure visits will be arranged for stakeholders to strengthen industry expertise.
With this latest development, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are set to play a significant role in India’s evolving fisheries landscape, positioning the country as a stronger competitor in global seafood markets.