As reported by the Lakshadweep Administration, 3,257 fishermen are registered in the Union Territory, and 1,747 fishing vessels are available, including both traditional and mechanised boats. These comprise: (i) 1,538 motorized non‑mechanical traditional OBM boats, (ii) 192 non‑motorized traditional crafts, and (iii) 17 motorized mechanical boats

 (b): As reported by the Lakshadweep Administration, fish production in Lakshadweep during the last three financial years, year-wise and species-wise, is furnished at Annexure-I

(c) and (d): The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India (GoI) has been implementing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) across all States and Union Territories (UTs), including the UT of Lakshadweep, since 2020-21. In addition, the UT Administration operates its own scheme aimed at livelihood support, modernization of fishing operations, and market improvement. Under the PMMSY, during 2020-21 and 2025-26, the DoF, GoI, has approved project proposals worth Rs. 62.43 Crore to the UT of Lakshadweep, with a central share of Rs. 44.20 Crore.

The approved projects include the establishment of cold storages and ice plants with capacities of 5‑ton, 10‑ton, and 20‑ton; construction of fish kiosks to improve local retail infrastructure; and the provision of three‑wheelers and motorcycles fitted with ice boxes to enhance the hygienic transport of fish. Support has also been extended for fish value‑addition units, acquisition of deep‑sea fishing vessels for traditional fishermen, and promotion of recreational fisheries and backyard ornamental fish rearing. To enhance safety and efficiency at sea, assistance is being provided for communication and tracking devices, including VHF sets, DAT, AND NAVIC receivers, as well as for safety kits and for the replacement of traditional boats and nets. Seaweed culture has also been promoted as a livelihood‑diversification activity, with financial assistance provided for the adoption of mono‑line, tube‑net, and raft‑based cultivation methods. Additionally, under the UT Scheme, financial assistance is provided for the construction of fishing boats, thereby strengthening fishing infrastructure and livelihood security in the islands. Moreover, in line with the Government’s cluster‑based approach for holistic fisheries development and enhancement of fishers’ incomes and recognising the significant potential of the seaweed sector for Lakshadweep’s overall economic growth, the Government of India has notified a dedicated Seaweed Cluster in the Union Territory.

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ANNEXURE-I

Statement Fish production in Lakshadweep during the last three financial years, year-wise and species-wise.

		Total in Kg
Sl No.	Species	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25
	Pelagic Fishes
1	Yellow fin Tuna - Thunnus albacares	3213411	2968937	6659057
2	Skipjack - Katsuwonus pelamis	6426825	5623091	8019846
3	Kawa kawa - Euthinnus affinis	838281	608600	1301748
4	Frigate tuna - Auxis thazard	428293	399516	245175
5	Big eye - Thunnus obesus	409989	268903	95081
6	Dog-toothed tuna - Gymnosarda unicolor	97800	105997	68681
	Total	11414599	9975044	16389588
7	Sail Fish - Istiophorus platyperus (Ola Meen)	111771	139972	181757
8	Marlin - Makaira sp. (Kuthira Meen)	1397	10335	29855
9	Sword Fish - Xiohias sp.  (Komban Choora)	2794	23133	22299
	Total	115962	173440	233911
10	Carrangids - Travelly (Kuluval)	261264	349662	283785
11	Baraccuda – Sphyraena sp. (Thirathakkadiyan)	27943	29669	73210
12	Dolphin Fish - Coryphaena sp. (Amanoos)	125740	143767	83210
13	Rainbow Runner - Elagatis bipinnulata (Shameen)	139714	218920	157186
14	Flying Fish - Exocetus sp (Parava)	14998	48928	69288
15	Gar Fish - Belonidae sp (Karuthon)	279427	315679	230338
16	Half Beak - Hemirampus sp (Kudukka)	140987	123646	94651
17	Wahoo - Acanthocybium sp. (Ayakkura)	129914	232575	209939
18	Miscellaneous	279427	320808	357939
	Total	1399414	1783654	1559546
	Total Pelagic Fin Fishes	12929975	11932138	18183045
	Demersal Fishes
19	Lutjanus gibbus (Shammali)	150020	158333	171712
20	Lutjanus bohar (Phulariam)	129135	140440	85674
21	Grouper - Epinephelus sp. (Chemmam)	136792	184877	112885
22	Lethrinidae - Emperor sp. (Metti)	113920	235477	133937
23	Gerridae (Phurachi)	104145	43734	61563
24	Mullidae - Goat Fish (Manakkam)	99655	174045	137727
	Total	733667	936906	703498
24	Sharks (Shurav)	41914	48174	56999
25	Rays (Thirandi / Kotar)	55885	59667	37646
	Total	97799	107841	94645
26	Octopus (Appal)	69857	51923	31198
27	Miscellaneous	140060	184086	91533
	Total	209917	236009	122731
	Total Demersal Fishes (5) +(6) +(7)	1041383	1280756	920874
	Grand Total (4) + (8)	13971358	13212894	19103919
	Grand Total (Tonne)	13971.3	13213	19104

This information was given by Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Lok Sabha today in response to a question asked.

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