The Island Seafood Festival 2026 commenced at Marina Park Stretch Road in Sri Vijaya Puram on 15 January, celebrating the region’s rich marine heritage, seafood traditions, and culinary culture. The event, themed “Safe, Wholesome & Sustainable Seafood for All,” aims to promote responsible fishing practices, food safety, and sustainable consumption across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Organized by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the IP&T Department, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, and financially supported by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, the festival places special emphasis on the development of the Tuna Cluster in the islands. A total of 22 stalls were set up at the venue, featuring contributions from government institutions, FSI, CIARI, NIOT, NFDB, self-help groups, fisheries co-operatives, hotels, and restaurants.
The festival was inaugurated by Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, in the presence of Secretary Fisheries Jyoti Kumari, Deputy Commissioner SA Arjun Sharma, IAS, Director Fisheries Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, and other departmental officials. Following the inauguration, the Chief Secretary toured the stalls, interacting with fishers, scientists, traders, and other participants, acknowledging recent developmental strides in fisheries and aquaculture across the islands.
Competitions formed a central part of the festival. The Mr. Chef and Mrs. Chef Competition showcased the culinary talent of 20 participants preparing seafood dishes with locally sourced ingredients. The Chief Secretary announced plans to document and publish the winning recipes along with photographs. A seafood awareness quiz for students of JNRM and a Traditional Fishing Boat Racing Competition at FLC, Junglighat, highlighted traditional maritime skills and the islands’ fishing heritage.
Visitors to the festival experienced a diverse display of seafood-related products and services, including live, fresh, chilled, and frozen fish, value-added seafood products, aquariums, fish feed, and sport fishing services. Cultural programs by DNA, Kalapani Band, and Saakshara Sangeet Natya Academy entertained the audience throughout the day.
The festival offers a platform for fishers, entrepreneurs, scientists, chefs, tourists, and the local public to engage with the seafood sector, exploring the journey of seafood “from ocean to plate.” The event continues on 16 January, culminating with award distribution for the winners of the culinary, quiz, and boat racing competitions.
Officials highlighted that the festival not only promotes sustainable seafood and fisheries development but also encourages community participation, innovation, and awareness of responsible consumption practices. Tourists, residents, and seafood enthusiasts are invited to attend the two-day celebration to witness the islands’ marine biodiversity and support the local fisheries economy.
