Lakshadweep Hosts First Investors’ Meet to Boost Fisheries and Blue Economy

Lakshadweep Opens Its Blue Economy to Private Investment

Lakshadweep has taken a landmark step towards strengthening its blue economy by hosting its first-ever investors’ meet dedicated to fisheries and aquaculture. Held at Bangaram Island, the event marked a strategic effort to attract private participation into sustainable marine sectors while unlocking the vast ocean-based potential of the island territory. The initiative was organised by the Department of Fisheries , Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in collaboration with the Lakshadweep administration.

Investment Opportunities in Marine Sectors

Titled “Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Lakshadweep Islands” , the meet drew stakeholders, entrepreneurs and policy officials from across India. According to official estimates, proposals worth nearly ₹519 crore have been envisaged. Discussions centred on scaling up tuna fisheries, aquaculture, ornamental fish culture and value-added marine products, positioning Lakshadweep as a sustainable fisheries hub in the Indian Ocean.

Infrastructure Gaps Highlighted by Investors

Investors flagged key challenges that must be addressed to realise the islands’ potential. These included inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, lack of ice plants, limited cold storage, and difficulties in transporting fish produce to mainland markets. Participants also emphasised the need for advanced facilities such as sashimi-grade tuna processing units , fish oil extraction plants, ornamental fish brood banks and skilled manpower development for high-value exports.

Policy Push and Export Enablement

Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted recent policy reforms, including the notification of fishing rules for India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Fishermen can now operate legally through authorised access passes, enabling smoother exports of premium tuna to global markets. He also noted that fish harvested from India’s EEZ will be recognised internationally as Indian-origin produce, reducing trade barriers.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Lakshadweep produces about 14,000 tonnes of fish annually.

• Estimated fisheries potential is nearly one lakh tonnes .

• Pole-and-line tuna fishing is an eco-friendly global best practice.

• India has one of the largest EEZs in the world.

Way Forward for Lakshadweep’s Fisheries

The Centre and UT administration highlighted emerging sectors such as seaweed farming, ornamental fisheries and deep-sea fishing . Investors were invited to contribute inputs for framing Lakshadweep’s first fisheries policy, with plans for a follow-up investors’ meet in Delhi. The initiative signals a calibrated move towards sustainable development, livelihoods and marine-led growth for the islands.