The Odisha Cabinet has granted approval for the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission 2026–2036, a proposal presented by the state Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department. This initiative aims to harness the offshore fisheries potential of the state and drive growth through the Blue Economy. The mission focuses on sustainable deep-sea fishing, modernizing marine fisheries infrastructure, boosting seafood exports, enhancing fisher livelihoods, and positioning Odisha as a key Deep-Sea Fishing and Marine Export Hub in Eastern India.
The state, with a coastline spanning about 575 km and a marine fisher population of over five lakh engaged in marine fisheries and related activities, currently relies heavily on near-shore waters for marine fishing. To alleviate pressure on coastal fishery resources, the mission targets the sustainable utilization of untapped offshore and deep-sea resources, including valuable species like tuna, billfish, and oceanic squid, through scientific management and modern fishing technologies.
The Odisha government envisions the deployment of modern deep-sea fishing vessels, upgraded mechanized boats, mother vessels, advanced fishing harbors, seafood parks, cold-chain and processing facilities, digital fisheries governance, vessel monitoring, marine conservation, fisher capacity enhancement, and promotion of seafood exports. A dedicated Blue Economy Hub (B-Hub) will serve as the mission’s knowledge and coordination center. The mission also aims to enhance scientific fisheries management, marine safety, disaster readiness, and fisher welfare through resource assessment, digital monitoring, traceability systems, artificial reefs, sea ranching, and ecosystem-based fisheries management.
The mission targets an annual marine fish production of 2.0 lakh metric tonnes, creation of 50,000 job opportunities, and a boost in marine exports to Rs 5,000 crore by 2036. It will encourage private investments, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), entrepreneurial ventures, and adoption of advanced technologies in the fisheries sector. Scheduled for implementation in phases between 2026 and 2036, the mission will be overseen by the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department with an estimated investment of Rs 2,295.45 crore. Aligned with Odisha Vision 2036, Viksit Bharat 2047, the National Blue Economy framework, and Sustainable Development Goal-14 (Life Below Water), the mission is poised to modernize Odisha’s marine fisheries sector, making it technology-driven, export-oriented, and environmentally sustainable, while ensuring the long-term prosperity and livelihood security of the state’s coastal fishing communities.
