The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying organized a Fisheries Outreach Programme in Agatti, Lakshadweep on August 31, 2026, focusing on strengthening India's blue economy through sustainable development of marine resources. The Hon'ble Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, launched "Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031" Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development and highlighted Lakshadweep's immense fisheries potential supported by a 4,200 sq. km lagoon area and nearly 4 lakh sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone.
Lakshadweep possesses an estimated fisheries potential of over 1 lakh tonnes, including approximately 94,000 tonnes of tuna and tuna-like species, though current harvest stands at only about 15,000 metric tonnes. The government has approved fisheries development projects worth over ₹62 crore under PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) for Lakshadweep, including support for acquisition of Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels with 16 vessels sanctioned at approximately ₹1.2 crore each, all currently under construction.
The program emphasized sustainable harnessing of high-value species including tuna, seaweed, and ornamental fisheries. Lakshadweep has been notified as a Seaweed Cluster with a Seaweed Bank approved in collaboration with ICAR-CMFRI, promoting 575 seaweed cultivation units supported by an investment of about ₹2 crore to generate livelihood opportunities for women, youth and self-help groups. For ornamental fisheries, Lakshadweep is home to over 300 ornamental fish species with an ornamental fish hatchery established at Agatti and three rearing units approved under PMMSY.
The government has created an enabling framework through the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025 and Guidelines for Sustainable Harvesting of Fisheries in the High Seas, 2025, providing access passes and letters of authorization for responsible offshore fisheries development. Additionally, 19 recreational fishing units have been sanctioned under PMMSY to promote fisheries-based tourism.
India's overall fish production has increased from 95.7 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while seafood exports reached a record ₹73,890 crore in 2025-26. The country has a coastline of approximately 11,099 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone of about 24 lakh sq. km, with marine fisheries potential within India's EEZ estimated at 58.6 lakh metric tonnes supporting approximately 50 lakh fishers.