The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Information, Publicity and Tourism (IP&T) Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, will organise the Island Seafood Festival – 2026 on January 15 and 16 at the Marina Park stretch road in Sri Vijaya Puram. The event is being held with financial assistance from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, and will place special emphasis on Tuna Cluster Development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Envisioned as a large-scale public outreach initiative, the two-day festival aims to showcase the Islands’ vast marine resources and strengthen fisheries-based livelihoods. The event is designed to bring together fishers, fisheries entrepreneurs, scientists, chefs, tourism stakeholders and the general public on a single platform, offering insights into the seafood value chain from harvest to consumption.
According to the organisers, the theme for the 2026 edition is “Safe, Wholesome & Sustainable Seafood for All,” reflecting a growing focus on responsible fishing practices, food safety and long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems. The festival is expected to highlight the strategic importance of tuna resources in the Islands and promote value addition, market linkages and employment opportunities within the fisheries sector.
The programme will feature a wide range of activities aimed at engaging both industry stakeholders and the public. These include cultural performances, live seafood cooking demonstrations, interactive sessions, public competitions and traditional fish boat racing. A key attraction will be the Mr. & Ms. Chef Competition, with the top three winners to be felicitated on the concluding day of the festival. The activities are intended to highlight the culinary diversity, traditional fishing knowledge and sustainable practices unique to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
As part of the event, exhibition stalls will be allotted to Fisheries Associations, entrepreneurs, fish cooperatives, aquarium shops, hotels and restaurants, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders. These stalls will showcase a wide range of fisheries-related products and services, including live, fresh, chilled and frozen fish, value-added fish products, seafood cuisines, aquariums, fish feed, essential fisheries equipment and sport fishing services. The organisers stated that details regarding stall allotment will be communicated to selected applicants in due course.
Interested individuals, groups and firms have been invited to apply for stall allotment in the prescribed format on or before January 12, 2026. Applications can be submitted in person at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill, or sent via email to fisheriestrainingcentreani@gmail.com. The application format is available at the Fisheries Training Centre and can also be downloaded from https://andamannicobar.gov.in/ and https://anifisheries.andamannicobar.gov.in/.
Officials said the festival is expected to strengthen awareness about sustainable seafood consumption, boost market access for local fishers and entrepreneurs, and reinforce the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ position as a key marine and fisheries hub in the region.
For further information and clarifications, applicants may contact 9594801891 or 8900942618.
