First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming

First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming

Context

On January 18, 2026, India launched its first open-sea marine fish farming project at North Bay in the Andaman Sea. This initiative is a key step under India’s Blue Economy 2047 vision, aimed at unlocking the vast maritime potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through science-led, sustainable aquaculture.

About the Project

What is it?

This project is a pioneering pilot initiative for open-sea aquaculture, designed to farm high-value marine finfish (such as Cobia and Seabass) along with seaweed cultivation in natural oceanic conditions.

Location

• North Bay, near Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair)
   
• Andaman Sea
   

Implementing Agencies

• Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
   
• Executed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
   
• In collaboration with the Andaman & Nicobar UT Administration
   

Technology Used

The project uses indigenously developed automated open-sea cages, built to withstand strong ocean currents and high wave action, making them suitable for high-energy open-ocean environments.

Key Features and Objectives

1. Marine Fish Cultivation

The project focuses on farming premium finfish species such as:

• Cobia (Rachycentron canadum)
   
• Silver Pompano
   

These species are cultivated using NIOT’s specialized open-sea cage technology, enabling commercial aquaculture beyond coastal limits.

2. Seaweed Farming as a Natural Bio-Filter

The project promotes deep-water seaweed cultivation, which supports ecosystem health by:

• Absorbing excess nutrients (bio-filtration)
   
• Improving water quality
   
• Supporting carbon sequestration and climate-friendly aquaculture
   

3. Blue Economy Alignment

The initiative complements national fisheries goals and aligns with Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), strengthening India’s ambition to become a global hub for sustainable seafood production.

4. Livelihood Generation for Local Communities

A major focus is empowering local fishing communities by providing:

• Quality seeds
   
• Technology support
   
• Alternate livelihood options
   

This reduces pressure on overfished near-shore ecosystems while creating long-term income opportunities.

5. Scalability and PPP Potential

As a pilot project, it will serve as a feasibility assessment for expanding open-sea farming through:

• Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models
   
• Larger cage networks
   
• Commercial-scale marine production systems
   

Andaman Sea

The Andaman Sea is a marginal sea in the northeastern Indian Ocean, known for both ecological richness and strategic relevance.

Key Geographical Features

• Area: ~ 7.98 lakh sq km
   
• Boundaries:
   
  • Myanmar (North/East)
     
  • Thailand (East)
     
  • Indonesia (South)
     
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands (West)
     

Geological Significance

• Lies along the Andaman–Nicobar Ridge
   
• Located near a major subduction zone, where the Indian Plate subducts beneath the Burma microplate
   
• Hosts Barren Island, the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent
   

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Advantage

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands contribute around 6.6 lakh sq km to India’s EEZ, nearly one-third of India’s total EEZ, giving the region major relevance for fisheries and maritime development.

Why This Project Matters

1. Resource Potential

The region has a marine fisheries potential of around 1.48 lakh tonnes, including a major Tuna Cluster, which is ideal for deep-sea and export-oriented fisheries.

2. Climate Resilience and Sustainable Shift

Moving aquaculture into open seas reduces dependence on stressed coastal ecosystems, enabling production in:

• Cleaner waters
   
• Nutrient-rich deeper zones
   
• Lower pollution environments
   

3. Strategic and Maritime Presence

Expanding the Blue Economy in this region strengthens India’s presence in an Indo-Pacific zone vital for international trade, especially near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest sea routes.

Way Forward

1. AI and Satellite-Based Monitoring

Future phases may integrate:

• AI-driven feeding systems
   
• Satellite and sensor-based tracking
   
• Real-time monitoring for fish health and cage conditions
   

2. Export and Processing Ecosystem

To move from local markets to international competitiveness, India may focus on:

• Processing facilities
   
• Cold-chain infrastructure
   
• Export-oriented branding for Tuna and Cobia
   

3. Conservation-Friendly Expansion

Expansion must ensure ecological protection by maintaining activities outside sensitive zones such as:

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
   This will balance aquaculture growth with marine biodiversity conservation.
   

Conclusion

The launch of the North Bay open-sea marine fish farming project marks India’s shift from traditional coastal aquaculture toward deep-sea, technology-enabled ocean farming. By combining NIOT’s engineering innovation with community participation, India is laying the foundation for a resilient, sustainable, and strategically significant Blue Economy model in the Indo-Pacific region.