Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031

Why in News?
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released “Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031”, the Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development, at a Fisheries Outreach Programme in Agatti, Lakshadweep, on August 31, 2026.

Key Points

• Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031: Strategic roadmap to promote the ornamental fisheries sector in India.
• Released by the Vice President of India.
• Programme organised by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Lakshadweep: Has more than 300 species of ornamental fish.
• An ornamental fish hatchery has been established at Agatti.
• Three rearing units have been approved under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

India’s Marine Fisheries Potential

India has substantial scope for developing its blue economy:

• Coastline: ~11,099 km
• EEZ: ~2.2 million sq. km
• Estimated marine fisheries potential: ~5.31 million tonnes
• Potential areas include sustainable fisheries, deep-sea fishing, mariculture, seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries

Why is Lakshadweep Important?

• Lakshadweep has an EEZ of nearly 4 lakh sq. km, accounting for around 17% of India’s total EEZ.
• Lagoon area: 4,200+ sq. km.
• Rich in high-value tuna resources, particularly:
  • Yellowfin Tuna
  • Skipjack Tuna
• Provides significant opportunities for mariculture, livelihood generation and sustainable blue-economy development.

Seaweed Cluster

• Lakshadweep has been notified as a dedicated Seaweed Cluster under the government’s cluster-based approach.
• Focus areas include: Cultivation → Processing → Value Addition → Market Linkages.

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