Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi on 04.06.2026 during the inaugural function of Blue India 2026: International Conference and Expo on Blue Economy, held at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi for facilitating Student’s Training / Post Graduate, Doctoral and Faculty Research. The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, TNJFU inaugurated the Blue India 2026: International Conference and Expo on Blue Economy, and delivered the inaugural address.
A healthy ocean feeds over 3 billion (300 crore) people. In 2020, the ocean economy added $2.6 trillion to the global economy, which is expected to double by 2050. It also supported 100 million (10 crore) full time equivalent jobs, half of which were in marine and tourism sectors, and over a quarter were in the marine fisheries and aquaculture sectors. In addition maritime transport sustained 5 million (50 lakh) jobs.
The potential of the blue economy to create additional jobs remains high. Aquaculture could generate 22 million (2.2 crore) new jobs by 2050.
Despite its importance, the health of the ocean is under threat. Our Ocean faces multiple threats. Warming waters and increasing acidification are disrupting marine ecosystems and jeopardising the vital role the oceans in regulating earth’s climate. Rising sea levels, more intense storms and coral bleaching are just some of the alarming consequences of these changes. Global sea levels rose 35% faster than expected in recent year (2024) amplifying risks for low-lying countries. It is to be noted that 680 million (68 crore) people are living in low-lying coastal areas.
Marine heat waves engulfed nearly 40 million (400 lakh) square kilometres of ocean, driving the largest and most intense bleaching event on record (2023-25) affecting 84% of the World’s coral reef. An estimated 15 million (150 lakh) metric tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean every year.
The blue economy offers a Symbol (beacon) of hope where we harness the vast potential of the ocean for sustainable economic growth utilising ocean resources responsibly, restore and protect this precious ecosystem, delivering jobs and food.
The blue economy comprises established industries (traditional sectors) such as maritime transport and shipping, fisheries and aquaculture, coastal tourism, offshore oil and gas, defence.
Emerging opportunity – Exciting innovation are driving new sectors within the blue economy.
Renewable energy (wind, waves, tides), marine bioprospecting & biotechnology (new medicines, biofuels), seabed mining (extracting valuable minerals), carbon sequestration – utilising the ocean’s capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
India possess immense potential with a vast coastline of 11,098 km spanning nine coastal states and four Union Territories, along with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) exceeding 2 million square kilometres.
Recognizing this potential, the Vision of a New India identifies the Blue Economy as one of the ten core growth sectors, targeting a contribution of US$100 billion by 2030 and key pillar of the Viksit Bharat mission, because the Blue Economy is expected to drive substantial GDP growth, generate sustainable employment, and enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities.
A robust investment strategy is key (central) to realizing this vision. The enablers expected to accelerate India's Blue Economy and help achieve its projected contribution of INR 5 lakh crore (US$52.65 billion) by 2035 are strong inter-ministerial coordination, skilled human resources, cutting-edge research capabilities, tech startups, public and private investments, and vibrant public–private partnerships are essential.
As far as fisheries sector is concerned India’s fisheries sector has experienced remarkable growth. It grew at an impressive annual rate of 9%. This impressive program has been made possible through the effective implementation of flagship initiative such as blue revolution, PMMSY, FIDF, PMMKSSY and Blue Economy 2.0.
One key area identified is Deep sea fishing. The EEZ holds an estimated 7.16 million (71.6 lakh) tonnes of fishing resources including high value species such as Tuna, Bill fish and deep sea shrimp. These resources offer immense potential for economic expansion and job creation. We need to promote deep sea and offshore fishing.
There are challenges. Lack of database for stock assessment, Advanced fish finding technologies, infrastructure deficiency in harvesting, landings and post harvest infrastructure, vessel monitoring and communication systems, high operational cost, capital cost.
But there are countries doing great job in deep sea fishing overcoming the challenges. China has been undisputed leader in deep-sea fishing. Key learnings from some of countries like China in developing a sustainable and economically viable deep sea fishing industry are Science based management through robust data collection and stock assessment, regulatory frameworks for gear restrictions and catch limits, collaborative governance by engaging with stakeholders, capacity building of fishers for responsible operations through investment in modern fleets, international cooperation to combat illegal fishing and manage shared resources, and adopting ecosystem based approach for sustainable fisheries management.
Marine biotechnology/bioprospecting, seaweed farming and aquaculture are other important areas we need to concentrate.
The advantage of aquaculture is the lowest carbon footprint and lowest greenhouse emissions (GHG) of all animal protein production sectors (excluding shrimp farming).
What is the responsibility of universities in blue economy especially in fisheries sector is
1. Production of quality human resources
2. Doing translational research resulting in commercialised technologies and patents
3. Capacity building and production of skilled personnel.
Let us work together to strengthen India's blue economy and contribute meaningfully to
the nation's journey towards becoming a developed country.
