The Matsya Mela held in Kavaratti concluded with a strong recommendation to establish an integrated fisheries hub in Lakshadweep, aimed at strengthening the region’s fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of island fishing communities.
Experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders agreed that a single-window fisheries platform is essential to streamline operations, enhance market access, and ensure long-term sustainability of marine resources in the archipelago.
Vision for a Centralised Fisheries Hub
Strengthening the Fisheries Value Chain
The proposed hub is expected to focus on organised fish marketing and the creation of shared infrastructure, including:
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Common fish landing and handling facilities
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Cold storage and cold-chain systems
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Value-addition and processing units
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Export facilitation services
Stakeholders believe this integrated approach will help Lakshadweep fully realise the potential of its tuna-based fisheries and emerging mariculture industries, leading to higher incomes and improved livelihood security for local fishers.
Need for Scientific Fish Catch Data
Foundation for Sustainable Fisheries Management
A key concern raised during the event was the lack of regular and scientific fish catch data estimation. Experts stressed that accurate data collection is critical for sustainable fisheries management, effective stock assessment, and informed policy decisions.
Reliable data would also support better planning, prevent overfishing, and ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems in Lakshadweep waters.
Expanding Cage Farming and Diversified Livelihoods
New Opportunities Beyond Capture Fisheries
Another major recommendation was to identify suitable locations for cage fish farming, taking into account environmental carrying capacity, ecosystem balance, and climate resilience.
Scientists highlighted the growing potential of:
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Cage fish farming
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Seaweed cultivation
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Ornamental fisheries
These activities can serve as alternative and supplementary income sources, reducing pressure on natural fish stocks while creating new employment opportunities.
Citizen Science and Community Participation
Bridging the Gap Between Fishers and Researchers
The Mela also underscored the importance of citizen science initiatives. Such programmes would encourage active collaboration between fishing communities and scientific institutions for:
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Data collection
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Fish stock monitoring
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Ecosystem assessment
Speakers emphasised that coordinated efforts among fishers, researchers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, and government agencies are essential to translate scientific research into community-led fisheries management.
Organisers and Institutional Support
The event was organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Lakshadweep, under the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), in collaboration with the Fisheries Department of Lakshadweep.
The discussions reinforced the urgent need for integrated planning, scientific management, and infrastructure development to support Lakshadweep’s growing blue economy while safeguarding its fragile marine ecosystem.
