Odisha Cabinet Approves Deep Sea Fishing Mission to Drive Blue Economy Growth

Bhubaneswar: Seeking to reposition Odisha’s marine economy and create new growth opportunities for coastal communities, the State Cabinet has approved the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2025–2036), a comprehensive programme designed to expand deep-sea fishing, boost seafood exports and modernise the fisheries sector.

The flagship initiative of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department aims to harness Odisha’s untapped offshore fishery resources and strengthen the state’s role in India’s emerging Blue Economy.

Despite having a coastline of nearly 575 km and a marine fisher population of over five lakh, fishing activity in Odisha has remained concentrated in near-shore waters, increasing pressure on coastal resources. Scientific studies have identified considerable offshore and deep-sea fish stocks, including premium species such as tuna, billfish, oceanic squid and other pelagic resources, creating scope for large-scale expansion.

To tap this potential, the Mission proposes interventions across the marine fisheries value chain. These include induction of advanced deep-sea fishing vessels, upgrading existing mechanised fleets, deployment of mother vessels and modernisation of fishing harbours and fish landing infrastructure.

The programme also focuses on strengthening the post-harvest ecosystem through seafood parks, integrated cold-chain facilities, seafood processing and value-addition centres to improve product quality and export competitiveness.

Technology and sustainability form a central part of the strategy. The Mission proposes digital fisheries governance systems, vessel tracking, traceability mechanisms, scientific resource assessment and ecosystem-based fisheries management. Measures such as artificial reefs, sea ranching and marine conservation initiatives have also been incorporated.

A dedicated Blue Economy Hub will be established to serve as the Mission’s knowledge and coordination centre while supporting innovation, research and skill development in the fisheries sector.

The government expects the initiative to generate an additional 2 lakh metric tonnes of annual marine fish production, create nearly 50,000 jobs, and raise Odisha’s marine export value to around ₹25,000 crore annually by 2036. The programme is also expected to improve fisher incomes and encourage greater private participation and entrepreneurship.

The Mission will be implemented over the period 2026–2036 with an estimated investment of ₹2,295.46 crore through a combination of government support, institutional finance, beneficiary contribution and Public-Private Partnerships.

Officials said the initiative aligns with Odisha Vision 2036, Viksit Bharat 2047, and the broader national goal of building a sustainable and globally competitive Blue Economy.