India Launches First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming Project

On 18th January 2026, India took a major step towards harnessing its ocean-based economic potential with the launch of the country’s first open-sea marine fish farming project in the Andaman Sea.

Key Points

Blue Economy Milestone: The initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s Blue Economy journey, aligned with the vision of Prime Minister to unlock the economic potential of marine resources.
Shift in Maritime Outlook: The Minister noted that India’s oceans remained underutilised for nearly seven decades after Independence, with a strategic shift since 2014 recognising the economic value of India’s maritime domain.
Regional Maritime Potential: India’s western, southern, and eastern coastlines possess distinct ecological and economic characteristics, each capable of contributing uniquely to national development.
Implementing Agencies: The project is being implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, its technical arm National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands administration.
Project Focus: The pilot focuses on open-sea cultivation of marine finfish and seaweed under natural ocean conditions, integrating advanced marine technology with livelihood generation.
Livelihood Interventions - Marine Flora: Seaweed seeds were distributed to local fishers to promote deep-water seaweed farming in open-sea environments.
Livelihood Interventions - Marine Fauna: Finfish seeds were provided for cage-based cultivation using NIOT-developed open-sea cages capable of withstanding natural oceanic conditions.