India has taken a significant stride in unlocking its ocean-based economic potential with the launch of its first open-sea marine fish farming project in the Andaman Sea. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the pilot initiative at North Bay near Sri Vijaya Puram, describing it as a milestone in India’s Blue Economy journey. This project marks a major effort to tap into the country’s vast ocean resources, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for economic growth.
For decades after Independence, India’s oceans remained largely underutilised, despite their immense potential. Singh highlighted this historical neglect, noting a shift in thinking since 2014. “For nearly 70 years, the economic power of our oceans was neglected. Since 2014, there has been a shift in thinking, recognising that India’s maritime domain is as rich and valuable as its Himalayan and mainland resources,” he said. The Minister emphasised that India’s western, southern, and eastern seaboards each possess unique characteristics that can contribute significantly to national development.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, its technical arm—the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)—and the Union Territory administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It focuses on open-sea cultivation of marine finfish and seaweed in natural ocean conditions, combining advanced marine technology with livelihood generation for local fishing communities.
During the launch, two livelihood-oriented interventions were initiated. Under the marine flora component, seaweed seeds were distributed to local fishers to promote deep-water seaweed farming in the open sea. Under the marine fauna component, finfish seeds were provided for cage-based cultivation using NIOT-developed open-sea cages designed to withstand natural oceanic conditions.
Singh noted that the government-led pilot would help assess feasibility and build experience, paving the way for scaling up such initiatives through public–private partnership models in the future. This could accelerate deployment, expand employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s Blue Economy ecosystem.
During his visit to the Andaman Islands, the Minister also toured the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor, one of India’s earliest marine parks established in 1983. Spread across 15 islands, the park is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, mangroves, turtles, and diverse fish species.
The launch of the open-sea fish farming project underscores the government’s push to take science and technology directly to coastal and island regions, enabling local communities to become active stakeholders in India’s ocean-led economic growth. This initiative not only promises to enhance economic value but also to empower local communities, fostering a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy.