India outlines island fisheries plans for Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar

On 10 November 2026, India’s fisheries ministry set out how Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands fit into the country’s plans for marine fisheries. The two groups of islands together account for nearly 40% of India’s exclusive economic zone, which covers nearly 24 lakh square kilometres. The ministry’s outline identifies tuna as a priority and also includes seaweed cultivation and ornamental fisheries. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, ₹175 crore was earmarked for Lakshadweep and ₹218 crore for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The approach differs between the island territories. In Lakshadweep, a five-year plan seeks to double tuna production to 50,000 tonnes, and the territory has been identified as a seaweed cluster. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a tuna cluster supports improvements to fishing fleets and cold storage. Investment in landing centres, ice plants, processing and preservation is intended to reduce losses after catches are brought ashore and improve access to markets. These plans combine fishing with related activity on land, from storage to processing.

Facts to remember

• Island groups: Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Their combined share is nearly 40% of India’s exclusive economic zone.
• Scheme investments: ₹175 crore for Lakshadweep and ₹218 crore for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Lakshadweep’s five-year tuna target is 50,000 tonnes.

Background

Article 56 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea gives a coastal state rights to explore, use, conserve and manage natural resources in its exclusive economic zone. Under Article 57, the zone may extend up to 200 nautical miles from the baselines used to measure the territorial sea.

Why it matters for exams

For CLAT Economy and UGC-NET Law, connect the fisheries scheme with coastal states’ resource rights under the law of the sea.