The Department of Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, marked World Fisheries Day on November 21 at the Tagore Government College of Education Auditorium, Middle Point, highlighting the national theme, “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Products.” Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, attended the event as the chief guest, while Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, and Purva Garg, IAS, Secretary, A&N Administration, were present as guests of honour.
In a landmark development for the Islands, the Administration officially launched open-sea cage culture, setting a major milestone in the region’s fisheries sector. Leasing orders were handed over to three selected applicants, with the Chief Secretary interacting with beneficiaries about their challenges and expectations, assuring sustained institutional support for the initiative.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chief Secretary underscored the significance of World Fisheries Day as a moment to reaffirm collective responsibility toward marine conservation and responsible resource management. He emphasized the relevance of this year’s national theme and noted that the Islands hold immense potential to emerge as a hub for sustainable fisheries and seafood-based industries.
The Chief Secretary also unveiled the Training Manual and Documentary Videos on Seaweed Cultivation, created as part of the culmination of a 45-day seaweed culture programme for Self Help Groups aimed at improving skills and livelihood opportunities. He highlighted that such knowledge resources would empower local communities and support their transition into sustainable income-generating activities. He further stated that the fisheries sector is witnessing consistent growth and, with coordinated efforts, can contribute significantly to employment creation, exports, and long-term economic resilience.
He also discussed ongoing Tuna Cluster Development initiatives and underlined the importance of improving product quality, establishing cold-chain systems, and creating strong branding for island fish varieties in global markets. He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to extend technological, training, infrastructural, and policy support to ensure that fishermen and fish farmers benefit from the region’s marine wealth.
In her welcome address, Director of Fisheries Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra highlighted the contributions of fishermen and fish farmers toward food security and livelihoods. She outlined the Department’s recent initiatives supporting small-scale fishermen across the Islands and detailed progress in open-sea cage culture, seaweed cultivation, and emerging fisheries-based livelihood options that hold strong economic potential.
The celebrations featured multiple competitions, including essay writing on fisheries potential, a quiz on marine life, and a poster-making contest on marine biodiversity for school and college students. Winners were awarded in recognition of their creativity and awareness efforts.
Awards were also presented to outstanding contributors in categories such as Best Fish Farmer, Best Trader, Best Aquaculturist, Best Co-operative Society, Best Fish Processing Entrepreneur, Field Level Officers, and Sagar Mitras from all three districts.
Technical sessions were conducted by experts from various institutes. Dr. C Babu of the Fisheries Survey of India (Sri Vijaya Puram Base) delivered a session on sustainable fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone under the 2025 rules. Dr. Jess Maria Wilson of ICAR-CIARI spoke on Tuna Cluster Development, while scientists Souvoirajan and Arjun from ACOSTI–NIOT led a session on mariculture prospects in the Islands.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Bhargav Chakravarty, Joint Director (Fisheries), who acknowledged the participation of dignitaries, institutions, and community members and emphasized that the success of the event reflects the collective commitment toward a sustainable and resilient future for the fisheries sector in the A&N Islands.
