Unlocking India’s Ocean Wealth
Addressing officials, scientists, and members of local fishing communities, Dr Jitendra Singh noted that India’s oceans possess immense economic potential comparable to the country’s Himalayan and mainland resources. However, he pointed out that for nearly seven decades after Independence, this maritime wealth remained largely underexplored.
“Since 2014, there has been a fundamental shift in how we look at our maritime domain,” the Minister said, adding that India’s western, southern, and eastern seaboards are unique and heterogeneous, each offering distinct opportunities for national development.
Collaboration Between Science and Governance
The project is being implemented through a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Earth Sciences, its technical arm the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and the Union Territory Administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The pilot focuses on cage-based cultivation of marine finfish and seaweed in natural open-sea conditions.
According to officials, the initiative integrates advanced ocean technology with traditional fishing practices, ensuring that scientific innovation directly benefits coastal and island communities.
Livelihood-Centric Interventions
During the launch, Dr Jitendra Singh initiated two major livelihood-oriented interventions. Under the marine flora component, seaweed seeds were handed over to local fishers to promote deep-water seaweed cultivation in open-sea environments.
Under the marine fauna component, finfish seeds were provided for cage-based farming using specially designed open-sea cages developed by NIOT. These cages are engineered to withstand natural oceanic conditions, including waves and currents, ensuring sustainable and scalable operations.
Pathway for Future Expansion
The Minister said that while the current initiative is government-led, the experience and technical validation from this pilot could pave the way for scaling up through public–private partnerships in the future. Such models, he said, would accelerate adoption, expand livelihood opportunities, and strengthen India’s Blue Economy ecosystem.
He emphasised that taking technology directly to the sea is essential to ensure inclusive growth and empower fishing communities with modern tools and knowledge.
Visit to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
As part of his visit to the Andaman Islands, Dr Jitendra Singh also visited the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor. Established in 1983, the park is among India’s earliest marine protected areas and spans 15 islands.
The Minister observed the park’s rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, mangroves, turtles, and diverse fish species at islands such as Jolly Buoy and Red Skin. He underlined the importance of balancing conservation with sustainable economic activities.
Strengthening the Blue Economy Vision
The launch of the open-sea marine fish farming project underscores the Government of India’s commitment to translating science and technology into tangible economic outcomes. By integrating research, governance, and community participation, the initiative aims to make coastal and island populations active partners in ocean-led development.
