In a groundbreaking move for India’s blue economy, the government has unveiled the nation’s first open-sea marine aquaculture project in the Andaman Sea. This ambitious initiative marks a significant leap toward sustainable seafood production and reducing dependency on traditional fishing methods.
Located in the pristine waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the project involves deploying advanced cage farming systems capable of rearing high-value fish species like cobia and pomfret. Officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced the launch, emphasizing its potential to generate thousands of jobs and boost exports.
The open-sea setup uses state-of-the-art floating cages resistant to rough seas and cyclones, ensuring year-round operations. Initial stocking includes 50,000 fingerlings, with projections for an annual yield of over 1,000 tonnes within three years. This technology, adapted from Norwegian and Chilean models, has been customized for tropical Indian waters.
Environmental safeguards are at the forefront, with rigorous monitoring of water quality, biodiversity impact, and escape prevention. The project aligns with India’s vision to achieve a $10 billion aquaculture export target by 2025. Local fishermen communities will receive training, ensuring inclusive growth.
Experts hail this as a game-changer for food security amid depleting wild stocks. As the first harvest approaches in 18 months, all eyes are on this venture to replicate success across India’s 7,500 km coastline.