Lakshadweep is making a splash in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, hosting its first-ever investors' meet on Bangaram Island on December 13, 2025. This groundbreaking event, organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) in collaboration with the U.T. Administration of Lakshadweep, aims to unlock the immense potential of the islands' marine resources and propel the Union Territory towards sustainable growth.
The investors' meet envisions approximately Rs 519 crore in investments in Lakshadweep's fisheries and aquaculture sector. Union ministers and the Administrator of Lakshadweep engaged with investors to discuss challenges and opportunities, including value-added tuna products and seaweed farming. The goal is to leverage the Union Territory's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for sustainable growth.
Lakshadweep, though the smallest Union Territory in India, possesses a strategic advantage, commanding nearly 20% of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This provides access to vast deep-sea resources, particularly high-value tuna. Tuna accounts for the largest share (75%) of the catch in Lakshadweep. The islands also boast a 4200 sq km lagoon area and rich ornamental fish biodiversity.
The region presents numerous opportunities for responsible investment. These include deep-sea tuna fisheries, the establishment of tuna processing and cold-chain facilities, seaweed cultivation, offshore mariculture farms, and ornamental fish production units. These ventures can cater to the growing global demand for eco-labelled tuna, high-value seaweed seeds and seaweed products, and sustainably sourced aquarium species.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated that the government has issued fishing rules for the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), allowing fishermen operating in the EEZ to legally fish with an authorized “Access Pass”. This enables them to export high-value tuna and other fish products to international markets. Fishery resources present in India's EEZ will now be recognized as “Indian Origin,” which will further facilitate the export of fish products. The government has also issued 'High Seas Fishing Guidelines,' granting fishing vessels flying the Indian flag the legal right to operate in these waters.
Echoing this sentiment, Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel highlighted Lakshadweep's untapped fisheries potential and emphasized the need to develop strategic facilities to leverage the Union Territory's EEZ to drive sustainable growth.
During the interactive session, investors raised several issues, including the transportation of production to the mainland, cold storage requirements, the need for ice plants, and the development of chilled fish handling centers for post-harvest management. They also called for value addition facilities for sashimi-grade tuna and fish oil refining capacities, the requirement of skilled labor, and ornamental fish brood banks.
Lakshadweep's commitment to sustainability is evident in its fishing practices. The islands are known for their eco-friendly pole-and-line and handline tuna fishing methods, which are recognized globally for being bycatch-free. Lakshadweep is also India's first Union Territory to achieve 100% organic status.
The investors' meet aligns with the export target of achieving ₹1 lakh crore worth of exports under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Department of Fisheries aims to raise India's total seafood exports to ₹1 lakh crore by 2030, with 30% comprising value-added products globally.
The Department of Fisheries has sanctioned a fleet of 16 deep-sea fishing vessels for Lakshadweep, with a total project cost of Rs 19.20 crore. These vessels are equipped with multiple gears (pole-and-line, longline, and troll line), onboard chilled/frozen storage, and advanced navigational amenities. This initiative is set to transform Lakshadweep's traditional subsistence tuna fishing into an organized, large-scale, export-oriented enterprise.
Lakshadweep has been chosen for a Seaweed Cluster Project, with in-principle approval granted for a seaweed hatchery and seed bank. The Department is actively supporting seaweed farming through community-led demonstration projects.
