Tuna Cluster

Source: PIB

Context: The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has designated the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Tuna Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

• With approximately 6.0 lakh square km of under-utilized Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) rich in tuna resources, the region offers unique advantages in fisheries development due to its proximity to Southeast Asia, sustainable fishing practices, and conducive trade routes.

About Tuna Fish:

• Species: Belongs to the Thunnus genus, adapted for speed with streamlined bodies.

• Habitat: Found in both tropical and temperate oceans, known for extensive migrations.

• Economic significance: Tuna species like Skipjack, Yellowfin, and Bluefin contribute around $41 billion annually in trade (2018).

• Unique physiology: Maintains a body temperature higher than surrounding water, a trait shared with Mackerel sharks and Opah.

• Nutritional value: High in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, supporting health and nutrition.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

• Launch: Launched in 2020 as the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries.

• Objective: To boost the fisheries sector’s growth through integrated, consolidated efforts from various initiatives.

• Components: An umbrella scheme comprising the Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

• Focus areas: Includes enhancing productivity, post-harvest infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks for sustainable fisheries development.

• Other clusters: The Department of Fisheries has already identified three locations as priority areas for development, Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand for pearl culture Madurai District in Tamil for ornamental fisheries UT of Lakshadweep for seaweed.

• The Department of Fisheries has already identified three locations as priority areas for development, Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand for pearl culture Madurai District in Tamil for ornamental fisheries UT of Lakshadweep for seaweed.

• Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand for pearl culture

• Madurai District in Tamil for ornamental fisheries

• UT of Lakshadweep for seaweed.

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