Given the reserves of tuna, one of the expensive fish, Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been declared a Tuna Cluster. Tuna fish is also in great demand in the international fish market. Due to this, there will be a strong market for fish, especially in Asian countries.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy is working on a big scheme for fishermen under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSSY). While this scheme will promote fish production and export, the lives of fishermen will also be better. This scheme is cluster development. According to fisheries experts, Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide a big opportunity for fisheries development. There is a Special Economic Zone (EEZ) of about 6 lakh square kilometers here.
The region is particularly rich in high-value species like tuna and tuna. According to an estimate, there are about 60 thousand metric tonnes of tuna fish here. The proximity to Southeast Asian countries from here strengthens the opportunities for maritime and air trade.
These are also included in the cluster scheme of PMSSY.
The Department of Fisheries is working on cluster development in other major areas. Under this, pearl, seaweed, and ornamental fisheries, reservoir fisheries, fishing ports, brackish water aquaculture, cold water fisheries, sea cage culture, freshwater, and brackish water fisheries, deep sea and oceanic fisheries, organic fisheries, wetland fisheries, and other areas are also being included according to specific regional and sectoral needs.
Potential cluster locations are being identified in collaboration with state governments and union territories based on certain parameters such as fisheries, production trend, export income, number of fishing boats, participation in fisheries activities, and existing fisheries infrastructure.
Indian seas are full of tuna fish
Last year, a conference related to the fisheries sector was organized in the country. On this occasion, dozens of fisheries experts from India and abroad participated in it. During this, it was said that India’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is full of tuna fish. According to a survey, there are about two lakh tonnes of tuna fish in the deep sea of India. Two types of tuna fish are found in our country. One is yellowfin and the other is skipjack tuna.
But sadly, out of two lakh tonnes, only 25 thousand tonnes of tuna fish is being caught. One reason for this is that it is not getting the right price in the international market. Fisheries experts say that Maldivian tuna is sold at the price of eight dollars. Whereas no one even cares about Indian tuna. The reason for this is that after catching tuna from the deep sea, it takes six to seven days to come back. In such a situation, the fish starts to spoil. If the fishing boat itself has cold storage facilities, then Indian fishermen can get good prices in the international market as well.
That’s why tuna fish is so much liked
Fish experts say that there are many benefits of eating tuna fish. Doctors also advise people to eat it if they have bone disease. This is because calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium are found in very good quantities in tuna. Therefore, eating tuna strengthens the bones. High concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in tuna fortify heart health. Tuna fish is also said to be beneficial for keeping the eyes healthy and losing weight. During Covid-19, it was revealed that eating tuna fish also increases immunity very rapidly.