Investment Opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture sector in Lakshadweep

• 15 Dec 2025
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On 13 December 2025, the Department of Fisheries organized first-ever Investors’ Meet in Lakshadweep Islands in order to explore the fisheries’ potential. The event was held at Bangaram Islands, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. 

The following government officials attended it: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, MoFAH&D and Panchayati Raj; and Shri George Kurian, MoFAH&D and Minority Affairs; and Shri Praful Patel, Hon’ble Administrator of Lakshadweep.

The event saw a participation of about 22 investors and key entrepreneurs working in the areas of tuna and deep-sea fisheries, seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries and waste management, etc. 

4 Areas for Investment Opportunities

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, highlighted four key areas for investment opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture sector during the meeting. These areas are as follows :-

1. Tuna and Deep-Sea Fisheries Development Opportunities

There are multiple significant opportunities when it comes to tuna fishing, processing, canning, value-added products, branding and exports. Lakshadweep has immense potential when it comes to investment in tuna and deep-sea fisheries. It encompasses nearly 20% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and also supports rich stocks of tuna and other high value species. Even then, the current production of around 15,000 tonnes is only a small fraction of the estimated potential of one lakh tonnes.

By developing a modern value chain that includes fishing, certification, branding and export-oriented processing, investors can help position Lakshadweep tuna in premium international markets under a strong identity like Lakshadweep Sustainable Tuna. The traditional fishing practices in the region make it ideal for global eco labeling systems like the Marine Stewardship Council that can help unlock access to higher end markets as well as premium pricing. 

2. Seaweed Offshore Farming, Biomass Processing and Bioproducts

The lagoon of Lakshadweep is quite vast. It has an area of over 4200 sq km to provide an ideal environment for cultivation of seaweed. Since the global demand for seaweed-based products is ever rising, the region presents a great investment opportunity in farming systems, nurseries, biomass processing and bioproduct manufacturing. 

3. Marine Fish for Ornamental Trade

The islands of Lakshadweep are home to approx 300 marine fish species that are ideal for ornamental trade spanning across a total of 35 families like wrasses, damselfish, cardinalfish, groupers, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, goatfish, blennies, scorpionfish, triggerfish and squirrelfish. This rich biodiversity makes the Lakshadweep a suitable location for establishing marine ornamental hatcheries, broodstock development facilities and integrated rearing units aimed at reducing dependence on wild-caught species. 

Since there is an ever growing global demand for ornamental fish, investors have a valuable opportunity to enter the lucrative aquarium trade by developing sustainable breeding systems, export oriented businesses and conservation-friendly practices. These initiatives can also create local employment opportunities and help position Lakshadweep as a significant player in the international ornamental fish market.

Know about MPEDA Registration for Fish Export

4. Offshore Cage Farming

There is immense potential in Lakshadweep when it comes to offshore cage farming. The islands can take advantage of its vast exclusive economic zone of approx. 4 lakh sq. km for the promotion of large-scale, sustainable mariculture. 

The mariculture sector is supported by successful pilot projects that showcase its viability in other areas. NFDB conducted a notable pilot study in collaboration with local cooperatives and CMFRI. It deployed 30 cages for species like pompano, sea bass and mullets in Balasore, Odisha. 

Another PMMSY-supported and JSW Jaigarh Port Limited-funded pilot project introduced 30 cases using CMFRI technology in collaboration with cooperatives. These initiatives show the technical feasibility and commercial promise of offshore cage farming. They pave the way for investors to scale operations and positions in the Lakshadweep as a modern mariculture hub. 

Conclusion

A single-window mechanism is being created for smooth project approvals within Lakshadweep. It would facilitate investment as well as streamline processes. The Investors’ Meet received strong interest, with investment proposals exceeding Rs. 500 crore. These proposals aim to explore the immense potential that Lakshadweep's Blue Economy has while promising a sustainable growth.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)