Odisha Approves Deep Sea Fishing Mission

Odisha Cabinet approved the Deep Sea Fishing Mission on 1 July 2026. The mission is a flagship initiative of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department under the administrative control of the Odisha government.

Mission Framework

The mission will run for 10 years, from 2026 to 2036. The estimated investment is ₹2,295.45 crore to ₹2,295.46 crore, and some references describe it as over ₹2,000 crore. The mission will be implemented in phases through central and state funding, beneficiary participation, institutional finance, and Public-Private Partnerships.

Objectives and Targets

The mission covers sustainable deep-sea fishing, marine fisheries infrastructure, seafood exports, and coastal livelihoods. It targets an additional two lakh metric tonnes of marine fish production annually by 2036. It also targets more than 50,000 jobs by 2036 and marine exports of around ₹5,000 crore annually by 2036.

Blue Economy Hub

A dedicated Blue Economy Hub, or B-Hub, will function as the knowledge, innovation, and coordination centre for the mission. The term blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic activity, fisheries, transport, and marine-based livelihoods.

Important Facts for Exams

• Odisha has a long coastline along the Bay of Bengal, and marine fisheries form part of its coastal economy.
• Public-Private Partnership, or PPP, is a model in which government and private entities share project responsibilities and funding.
• Marine fisheries are classified into inland fisheries and marine fisheries in India.
• The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department handles fisheries-related administration in Odisha.

Marine Fisheries in India

India’s marine fisheries sector operates along the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. Deep-sea fishing uses mechanised vessels and operates beyond near-shore coastal waters.