VP Radhakrishnan to release Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan will release the "Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031" Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development at an outreach programme organised by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, in Agatti, Lakshadweep, on August 31. The event marks a significant push toward organised growth of India's ornamental fisheries sector.

"Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031": Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development

The Strategic Action Plan aims to bring a uniform, science-based framework to the ornamental fisheries value chain across the country. It focuses on scientific management, biosecurity, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, ensuring the sector grows in a structured and sustainable manner rather than remaining fragmented, as it largely is today.

Dignitaries and Participants to Be Present at Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031

The outreach programme will see participation from several key figures, including Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and Minister of State Prof. SP Singh Baghel. Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Khode Patel will also be present. Beyond officials, the event will bring together fish farmers and fishers, including a notable presence of women fish farmers, along with representatives from fisheries clusters, line ministries, and departments from both the central and Lakshadweep governments.

About India's Vast Marine Resources

India holds enormous untapped marine potential, with a coastline stretching about 11,099 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone covering roughly 2.2 million sq. km. The country's marine fisheries potential is estimated at over 5 million tonnes, offering major scope for deep-sea fishing, mariculture, and blue economy expansion. Lakshadweep alone contributes nearly 17% of India's total EEZ, spread across almost 4 lakh sq. km, along with a lagoon area exceeding 4,200 sq. km, making it one of the most resource-rich marine zones in the country.

India's Government Approach and Strategy for the Fisheries Sector

The government has adopted a cluster-based model to encourage integrated, value-chain-driven growth in fisheries. Under this approach, Lakshadweep has been officially designated as a Seaweed Cluster, promoting cultivation, processing, and market linkages for seaweed products. The islands also hold rich ornamental fisheries resources, opening avenues for sustainable rearing, exports, and local livelihoods while keeping marine ecosystems protected.

Benefits to Beneficiaries in the Fisheries Sector

As part of the outreach event, the Vice President will also distribute benefits directly to fisheries sector beneficiaries, recognising the contribution of fishing communities and encouraging wider participation in sustainable fisheries practices.

SOPs will standardise practices

The Standard Operating Procedures under the new plan will bring consistency to broodstock management, breeding, hatchery operations, quarantine protocols, health management, and traceability. They will also cover aquarium operations, handling, transport, and trade, helping strengthen stakeholder capabilities, improve product quality, and support certification for better market access both within India and internationally.

Background of India's Vast and Diverse Marine Resource Base

1. India's EEZ spans nearly 24 lakh sq. km, with an estimated marine fisheries potential of 58.6 lakh metric tonnes, supporting the livelihoods of close to 50 lakh fishers nationwide.
2. The sector plays a vital role in food security, employment, and export earnings, with India exporting seafood worth around ₹73,890 crore in FY 2025-26. 
3. While most fishing activity remains concentrated within 40-50 nautical miles of the coastline, deeper waters hold significant potential for high-value species like tuna. 
4. To tap into this, the government has introduced guidelines for sustainable fishing in the High Seas by Indian-flagged vessels. 
5. Lakshadweep, rich in Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna, is emerging as a key hub for tuna-based fisheries and blue economy growth.