The Lakshadweep archipelago is targeting a dramatic increase in its annual tuna catch, aiming to reach 50,000 tonnes of tuna and tuna-like fish production within five years, according to a stakeholder consultation reported by The Hindu BusinessLine. This would more than double the current catch, driven by a comprehensive perspective plan focused on deep-sea fishing, mariculture, and infrastructure development.
The Perspective Plan
The five-year perspective plan was formulated during a stakeholder meeting held at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), attended by representatives from the Union Fisheries Department, Lakshadweep Fisheries Department, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), CMFRI, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), and other fisheries agencies, along with local fishermen, fisheries entrepreneurs, and presidents of fishermen’s cooperative societies from Lakshadweep.
CMFRI has been designated as the nodal agency by the Union Fisheries Department for preparing the plan, leveraging its longstanding association with fisheries planning and management in the region. The strategic guiding document prioritises interventions in marine fisheries, mariculture, post-harvest management, value addition, marketing, infrastructure, capacity building, and entrepreneurship development under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Supply-Side Investments
A key component of the plan is the induction of 50 new deep-sea fishing vessels below 24 metres to expand tuna fishing capacity. Additionally, the plan proposes launching seaweed cultivation across 5 sq km and establishing 10 medium-scale ornamental fish rearing units. These initiatives tap into Lakshadweep’s vast marine resources: a 4,200 sq. km lagoon area, 20,000 sq. km of territorial waters, and a rich diversity of more than 300 ornamental reef fish species, according to the source.
The emphasis on a sea-based economy includes promoting numerous small projects that benefit local fishers and self-help groups. Lakshadweep Fisheries Secretary Raj Tilak said that enhancing fish production would be the government’s top priority over the next five years.
Infrastructure and Value Addition
The plan outlines major infrastructure proposals, including:
- New boat building yards
- Adequate cold storage facilities
- 50 value addition units
- Two mother vessels
- Improved cold chain logistics
- Marine mechanical workshops
A series of measures for modernising the fishing fleet were also proposed. These investments aim to strengthen post-harvest management and enable higher-value exports, particularly through MPEDA’s involvement.
CMFRI Director Grinson George noted that Lakshadweep’s rich marine resources remain underutilised and that CMFRI would play a lead role in driving sustainable sector development by providing technical support for mariculture, seaweed cultivation, ornamental fish breeding, and other innovative fisheries-based livelihood initiatives.
Demand Context and Outlook
While the plan is supply-focused, the demand side is supported by MPEDA, which is tasked with marketing and export promotion. Tuna is a high-value commodity in global seafood markets, and increased production from Lakshadweep could help meet rising demand from canneries and sashimi-grade buyers, particularly in Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The current catch level was not specified in the source, but the plan’s target of 50,000 tonnes signals a major ramp-up.
| Key Target | Current Level | Plan Target (5 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual tuna & tuna-like production | Not specified (less than 50,000 t) | 50,000 tonnes |
| Deep-sea fishing vessels | Existing fleet | +50 vessels (below 24 m) |
| Seaweed cultivation area | Not specified | 5 sq km |
| Ornamental fish rearing units | Not specified | 10 medium-scale units |
| Value addition units | Not specified | 50 units |
The plan’s success will depend on timely implementation of vessel procurement, cold chain infrastructure, and market linkages. For commodity traders and procurement teams, the ramp-up in Indian Ocean tuna supply could influence global albacore and skipjack markets over the medium term, especially if coupled with improved cold storage and export logistics. Upcoming milestones include the formal adoption of the perspective plan by the Lakshadweep administration and release of funding under PMMSY.
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