India has launched its first open-sea marine fish farming pilot in the Andaman Sea, focusing on finfish and seaweed cultivation using advanced cages and deep-water techniques.
The project, implemented by NIOT, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Andaman administration, aims to boost livelihoods, promote sustainable ocean resource use, and strengthen India’s Blue Economy. This project represents a significant shift from traditional near-shore aquaculture to farming in the natural, open-sea environment. According to the Minister, India’s maritime resources have been underutilized for far too long, but since 2014, there’s been a renewed focus on integrating our oceans into national development plans.
Key Features of the Open Sea Farming Pilot
- The pilot project focuses on the cultivation of marine finfish and seaweed in open-ocean conditions, away from the coast.
- Specially designed open-sea cages developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology are being used to withstand natural ocean currents and waves. Seaweed cultivation is also being promoted through deep-water farming techniques.
- These activities combine advanced marine science with practical livelihood generation, enabling fishing communities to diversify income sources while ensuring sustainable use of marine ecosystems.
