In a major push to harness Odisha’s vast untapped marine wealth and accelerate its blue economy, the State Cabinet has approved the ambitious Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036).
The flagship initiative of the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department aims to transform Odisha into Eastern India’s leading deep-sea fishing and marine export hub.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg announced the Cabinet decision, highlighting how the mission will shift marine fishing from overcrowded near-shore waters to sustainably exploit rich offshore resources — including high-value tuna, billfish, oceanic squid and other pelagic species — along the state’s 575 km coastline that supports over five lakh marine fishers.
Comprehensive Transformation Across the Value Chain
The 10-year mission will deliver end-to-end modernisation:
- Induction of modern deep-sea fishing vessels and upgradation of existing mechanised boats
- Deployment of mother vessels
- Development of fishing harbours and fish landing centres
- Establishment of seafood parks and integrated cold-chain infrastructure
- Seafood processing and value-addition facilities
- Digital fisheries governance with vessel monitoring systems and traceability
A dedicated Blue Economy Hub (B-Hub) will serve as the mission’s knowledge, innovation and coordination centre, driving scientific resource assessment, artificial reefs, sea ranching, ecosystem-based management, marine safety, disaster preparedness and fisher welfare programmes.
Economic and Social Impact
By 2036, the mission is projected to deliver:
- Additional 2 lakh metric tonnes of marine fish production annually
- Over 50,000 new employment opportunities
- Substantial rise in incomes for marine fishers
- Marine exports reaching around ₹5,000 crore annually
The total estimated investment is ₹2,295.45 crore, to be mobilised through convergence of Central and State schemes, public-private partnerships (PPP), institutional finance and beneficiary participation.
The mission is fully aligned with Odisha Vision 2036, Viksit Bharat 2047, the National Blue Economy framework and SDG-14 (Life Below Water). It will promote responsible fishing practices, private investment, entrepreneurship and advanced technologies while protecting marine ecosystems and securing long-term livelihoods for coastal communities.
This visionary programme marks a paradigm shift — moving Odisha from coastal fishing pressure to sustainable deep-sea leadership, unlocking the blue economy’s full potential for the state and its fishers.
