India Launches First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming Project

India has taken a significant 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. The pilot initiative marks a major milestone in India’s Blue Economy journey and reflects a strategic shift towards utilising marine resources for sustainable growth and livelihoods.

Inauguration in the Andaman Sea

The project was inaugurated at North Bay near Sri Vijaya Puram by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh during a field visit to the open waters. The Minister described the initiative as one of the first concrete efforts to unlock the economic value of India’s vast ocean resources, aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Boost to India’s Blue Economy Vision

Highlighting the long neglect of India’s maritime potential after Independence, the Minister noted that since 2014 there has been a renewed focus on recognising oceans as assets comparable to land-based resources. He underlined that India’s western, southern, and eastern seaboards possess unique characteristics that can contribute differently to national development through fisheries, marine farming, and allied activities.

Implementation and Livelihood Focus

The pilot project is being implemented through a collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, its technical arm National Institute of Ocean Technology, and the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It focuses on open-sea cultivation of marine finfish and seaweed under natural oceanic conditions, combining advanced marine technology with livelihood generation for local fishing communities.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• India’s first open-sea marine fish farming project has been launched in the Andaman Sea.
• The project is implemented by NIOT under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Open-sea cages are designed to withstand natural ocean conditions.
• The initiative aligns with India’s Blue Economy strategy.

Technology, Conservation and Future Expansion

As part of the launch, seaweed seeds were distributed to promote deep-water seaweed farming, while finfish seeds were provided for cage-based cultivation using NIOT-developed open-sea cages. The pilot is expected to assess feasibility and build operational experience before scaling up through public–private partnerships. During the visit, the Minister also toured the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor, underscoring the balance between marine conservation and economic development in India’s ocean-led growth strategy.