Lakshadweep Fisheries Investment Drive

First investors meet in the islands

Lakshadweep Fisheries Investment Drive: Lakshadweep hosted its first-ever investors’ meet focused exclusively on fisheries and aquaculture on December 14, 2025. The event was organised at Bangaram Island to attract private investment into sustainable marine sectors. It marked a strategic shift towards unlocking the islands’ untapped blue economy potential.

The initiative was led by the Union Government in collaboration with the Lakshadweep administration. It aimed to position fisheries as a growth engine for livelihoods, exports, and infrastructure development in the Union Territory.

Static GK fact: Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory by area and comprises 36 coral islands in the Arabian Sea.

Focus on fisheries and aquaculture investment

The meet was titled “Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Lakshadweep Islands.” Stakeholders from across India, including processors, exporters, and marine entrepreneurs, participated. Official projections indicated investment proposals worth around ₹519 crore.

The programme was organised by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. This was the first time a sector-specific investment event was conducted within the islands themselves.

Static GK Tip: Fisheries comes under the State List, but marine fisheries beyond territorial waters fall under Union jurisdiction.

Infrastructure gaps flagged by investors

Investors highlighted logistical challenges affecting post-harvest efficiency. Key concerns included transport of fish produce to the mainland, lack of cold storage, ice plants, and chilled fish handling centres. These gaps limit scalability and export readiness.

There was also emphasis on creating value-added facilities such as sashimi-grade tuna processing units, fish oil refining plants, and ornamental fish brood banks. The need for trained manpower in modern aquaculture practices was repeatedly stressed.

Static GK fact: Tuna is among the most traded marine species globally and commands high value in Japanese and European markets.

Policy support and export facilitation

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted recent policy measures supporting marine investment. The Centre has notified fishing rules for the Exclusive Economic Zone, allowing legal fishing through authorised access passes. This ensures regulatory clarity for operators.

He stated that fish harvested from India’s EEZ will now be recognised internationally as of Indian origin, easing export procedures. The High Seas Fishing Guidelines further permit Indian-flagged vessels to operate legally in these waters.

Static GK Tip: India’s EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coastline under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Resource potential of Lakshadweep waters

Lakshadweep currently produces about 14,000 tonnes of fish annually. However, the estimated fisheries potential is close to one lakh tonnes, indicating significant underutilisation. Pole-and-line tuna fishing, widely practiced in the islands, is globally recognised as an eco-friendly method.

This method reduces bycatch and supports sustainability goals aligned with international marine conservation norms.

Static GK fact: Pole-and-line fishing is endorsed by several global seafood certification bodies for sustainability.

Emerging sectors and future roadmap

Ministers and officials highlighted seaweed farming, ornamental fisheries, and deep-sea fishing as high-return emerging sectors. These activities can diversify income while reducing pressure on nearshore resources.

The administration linked fisheries growth with upcoming infrastructure such as the Minicoy airport. Stakeholders were invited to provide inputs for framing Lakshadweep’s first comprehensive fishing policy, with a follow-up investors’ meet planned in Delhi.

Static GK Tip: Seaweed cultivation supports pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofertiliser industries.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Lakshadweep Fisheries Investment Drive: