The Union Department of Fisheries has given the green light to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration’s proposal for a smart and integrated fishing harbor in Mayabunder, with an investment of Rs 199.24 crore. This initiative, aligned with the Blue Port Initiative, will feature modern landing and berthing facilities, incorporating advanced technology and IoT-enabled systems. The project will receive full Central financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The smart fishing harbor aims to enhance sustainable fisheries management, boost fish-handling capacity, ensure operational safety, implement energy-efficient systems, and enable digital traceability. It is anticipated to create job opportunities, increase stakeholder incomes, bolster livelihoods, and aid in combating illegal fishing practices through eco-friendly methods, aligning with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This development will provide secure landing and berthing facilities for 430 fishing vessels and support an annual fish landing of 9,900 tonnes. It is poised to generate employment opportunities throughout the fisheries value chain, offering significant benefits to the fisheries sector in the region. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with a vast marine resource base encompassing 6 lakh sq. km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), hold substantial tuna resources, including Yellowfin and Skipjack tuna species.
To attract investments and foster value chain growth, the Department of Fisheries conducted an Investors Meet focusing on “Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.” Additionally, a tuna cluster has been designated in the Islands under PMMSY to enhance infrastructure, training, investor collaborations, and global competitiveness. India’s fisheries sector has witnessed substantial growth, backed by significant public investments exceeding Rs 39,000 crore in production, infrastructure, technology, fisher welfare, and post-harvest value chains.
Over the past decade, fish production in India has more than doubled, from 96 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to approximately 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. Seafood exports have also doubled in value, reaching Rs 62,408 crore, with a wide array of products exported to nearly 130 countries. The approval of the Mayabunder Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbor is a strategic move to tap into the fisheries potential of the Islands and advance India’s goal of achieving one lakh crore seafood exports by 2030–31.
