First-ever Fisheries Investors’ Meet Held in Lakshadweep

Why in News

• The Department of Fisheries organised the first-ever Investors’ Meet in the Lakshadweep Islands on 13 December 2025 at Bangaram Island, aimed at unlocking the untapped fisheries and aquaculture potential of the Union Territory.

Key Objectives of the Meet

• Attract private investment in tuna, deep-sea fisheries, and seaweed cultivation.
• Promote Lakshadweep as a hub for sustainable, export-oriented fisheries.
• Develop an integrated value chain covering fishing, certification, branding, and processing.

Fisheries Potential of Lakshadweep

• Lakshadweep accounts for nearly 20% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Supports rich stocks of tuna and other high-value marine species.
• Scope to brand products globally under identities such as “Lakshadweep Sustainable Tuna.”

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

• Traditional fishing practices make Lakshadweep suitable for eco-labelling systems such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
• MSC is a London-based international non-profit organisation that:
  • Promotes sustainable fishing
  • Awards eco-labels and fishery certifications
• MSC certification is recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• The blue MSC label is granted only to wild-caught seafood meeting the MSC Fisheries Standard.

Seaweed Cultivation Opportunities

• Lakshadweep has a vast lagoon area exceeding 4,200 sq. km, ideal for seaweed farming.
• Notified as a Seaweed Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• Key initiatives already in place:
  • Seaweed Seed Bank
  • Seaweed Hatchery
• These efforts provide a strong foundation for accelerated growth of the seaweed sector.

About Lakshadweep

• India’s smallest Union Territory.
• An archipelago comprising:
  • 12 atolls, 3 reefs, and 5 submerged banks
• Uni-district UT with a total area of 32 sq. km.

Inhabited Islands

• Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andrott, Kalpeni, Minicoy

Population Highlights (Census 2011)

• Bitra: Smallest inhabited island with 271 persons
• Bangaram (uninhabited earlier): Enumerated with 61 persons

Significance

• Marks a milestone in blue economy development.
• Encourages sustainable livelihoods for island communities.
• Positions Lakshadweep as a premium, eco-certified fisheries destination in global markets.

Sources: PIB , MSC