Port Blair, September 24, 2025 — In a significant step toward promoting sustainable aquaculture, the Fisheries Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has officially notified designated sea areas for mariculture activities across the islands. The move is expected to streamline marine farming operations, ensure ecological balance, and boost the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The notification outlines specific zones where mariculture — the cultivation of marine organisms such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed — can be carried out under regulated conditions. These areas have been identified based on environmental suitability, navigational safety, and minimal conflict with other marine activities such as tourism, fishing, and defense operations.
Officials from the Fisheries Department stated that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Blue Economy and aims to encourage private investment, scientific innovation, and community participation in marine farming. The designated zones will be monitored for compliance with environmental norms and mariculture guidelines issued by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and other regulatory bodies.
Stakeholders, including local fishers, entrepreneurs, and marine biologists, have welcomed the move, citing its potential to diversify income sources and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks. Training programs and technical support are also being planned to assist new entrants in adopting best practices for cage culture, seaweed farming, and bivalve cultivation.
The Fisheries Department has urged interested parties to apply for mariculture licenses and adhere to the operational protocols laid out in the notification. A detailed map of the designated zones and application procedures is available at the department’s official portal.
This development marks a strategic milestone in the islands’ aquaculture roadmap and is expected to contribute significantly to food security, employment generation, and marine conservation.
