AP Accelerates Fisheries Development with Stock Enhancement, Tourism Plans, and Safety Measures

On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, it was stated that the livelihoods and safety of fishermen living in coastal areas are being given priority by the Alliance Government. A 100-day action plan, which was earlier assured to fishermen in Kakinada district, has been brought to its final stage of preparation. Under this plan, measures for increasing marine fish wealth, improving traditional fishing skills, and creating alternative income opportunities are being arranged.

It was explained that special programmes have been designed with technical guidance from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Visakhapatnam, along with the Fisheries Department. As part of coastal protection efforts, works worth ₹2 crore are being planned for the Uppada coastline under the Central Government’s Coastal Resilience Scheme. Awareness activities on fish stock enhancement, reef installation, and sustainable fishing techniques are also being arranged for local fishermen.

To address the decline in traditional fish resources, 50,000 pandugappa fish seedlings have been released into the sea along the Uppada and Kakinada coast. It was stated that this initiative marks the first large-scale marine stock enhancement effort of its kind in the state. Plans for releasing tiger prawn (royya) seedlings in saltwater zones are being prepared with the support of the Fisheries Department.

It was mentioned that fishermen who previously operated only up to 12 nautical miles will now be able to fish up to 200 nautical miles following the Central Government’s deep-sea fishing permissions. This expansion is expected to enable access to commercially valuable species such as tuna.

Under the Coastal Resilience Scheme, ₹2 crore has been sanctioned for the development of Konapapapeta village. With these funds, multipurpose community halls designed to function as cyclone-resilient shelters are being constructed. Additional facilities, including RO water plants, three fish-drying platforms, GPS-based tracking systems for boats, and ice boxes for fish storage, are being arranged.

Alongside fisheries development, attention is also being given to alternative livelihood opportunities. Plans are being made to develop coastal tourism in a manner similar to successful models in Kerala. For this purpose, fishermen youth will be trained in water-based tourism skills such as speed boating and scuba diving. Training programmes are being organized at eco-tourism units run by fishermen’s communities in Kerala.

As part of knowledge-sharing initiatives, exposure visits are being arranged for fishermen to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the second week of December. During these visits, fishermen will study artificial reef culture models, including the well-known unit at Thiruvatriyur Kuppam near Chennai Harbour. According to CMFRI studies, artificial reefs with a capacity of 1,500 square metres are capable of attracting around 300 marine species, including nearly 50 commercially valuable varieties, thus offering significant income potential over two years.

It was stated that the Alliance Government remains committed to fulfilling its assurances to fishermen and to strengthening coastal livelihoods through sustainable development, coastal protection, and skill-based opportunities.