The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the IP & T Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and with financial support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, is set to organize the second edition of the Island Seafood Festival on January 15 and 16, 2026, at Sri Vijaya Puram. The festival aims to promote seafood consumption culture and the development of the Tuna Cluster in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The festival will highlight the islands’ rich seafood diversity and fisheries-based livelihoods. Visitors can expect cultural programmes, seafood cooking demonstrations, public competitions, and interactive sessions designed to popularize island seafood culture among locals and tourists alike. Organizers said the festival also intends to boost domestic fish marketing and encourage higher fish consumption.
A key focus of the festival will be creating awareness about flagship fisheries schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and PM-MKSSY. Farmer–scientist interaction meets and outreach activities will be conducted during the event to educate participants on the benefits of these initiatives.
Stalls will be allocated to interested participants including fisheries associations, entrepreneurs, fisheries cooperatives, aquarium shops, sport fishing vessel owners, hotels and restaurants, women SHGs, and NGOs. The stalls will showcase various fisheries-related activities, products, and services such as live, fresh, chilled, and frozen fish products, value-added seafood items, seafood cuisines, aquariums, fish feed, essential fisheries requisites, and sport fishing services.
Details regarding stall allotment and the venue will be shared with selected beneficiaries after the selection process. Interested individuals and firms are required to submit their applications in the prescribed format by January 9, 2026, to the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill, or via email at fisheriestrainingcentreani@gmail.com. For additional information, participants may contact 9594801891 or 8900942618.
Application forms can be obtained directly from the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill, or downloaded from the official Andaman & Nicobar Administration website: https://andamannicobar.gov.in and the Fisheries Department portal: https://anifisheries.andamannicobar.gov.in.
The festival is expected to draw participation from both local residents and tourists, serving as a platform to celebrate the islands’ unique marine biodiversity while supporting the fisheries sector. Organizers emphasized that the event will not only promote seafood consumption but also provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, and local businesses to display their products and services to a wider audience.
By combining cultural programmes with educational outreach, the Island Seafood Festival aims to strengthen the connection between the fishing community, policymakers, and consumers, ensuring sustainable growth of fisheries in the region. The event underscores the Administration’s commitment to enhancing local livelihoods, promoting domestic seafood consumption, and supporting fisheries-based economic development in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
