Maharashtra Charts 'Golden Era' For Fisheries With Coastal Security, Norwegian Tech And Aquarism Push

Maharashtra is adopting a dual approach focused on coastal security and increased fish production, with the goal of making the fisheries sector one of the top three in the country. Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane made a comprehensive presentation on the matter under Rule 260 in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

Rane announced that Maharashtra will implement Norway-style cage culture and fish farming techniques to modernize the industry. Coastal surveillance has been intensified using drones, patrol boats, and GIS mapping to curb illegal fishing and encroachments.

Major Highlights from the Minister’s Address:

Drone Surveillance & Action on Illegal Fishing:
Since January 9, 2025, nine drones have been monitoring up to 12 nautical miles along the coastline. So far, 1,830 operations have been conducted and 36 violators have been penalized during the fishing ban season. A 3,000-metric-ton production increase was recorded in Ratnagiri district alone.

Mirkarwada Port Development:
Over 300 encroachments have been cleared at Ratnagiri’s Mirkarwada port. Development work worth ₹22 crore will begin shortly, with a formal foundation ceremony planned soon.

"Jihad-Free Coastal Belt" Initiative:
To address smuggling and illegal infiltration, particularly by Rohingyas, identity verification through Aadhaar and voter ID is being implemented for all involved in the fishing sector.

AI in Inland Fisheries:
Artificial Intelligence is being used for digital analysis of freshwater ponds to assess silt, fish yield, and productivity. Efforts are underway to ensure transparency in the leasing of these water bodies.

Fishing Recognized as Agricultural Business:
The state government has officially recognized fishing as an agricultural activity—an initiative seen for the first time in India. This enables fishermen to receive compensation and benefits similar to those given to farmers. Compensation rates, which were previously as low as ₹200–₹300, have now been significantly increased.

Diesel Subsidy System Goes Online:
The entire diesel subsidy process is now digitized, and all reimbursements up to February 2025 have been completed. In the future, fishermen will not need to file separate applications.

New Ro-Ro Water Services:
Ro-Ro ferry services will soon be launched from Mazgaon to Ratnagiri and Mazgaon to Vijaydurga, cutting travel time to just 3.5 hours.

₹350-Crore World-Class Aquarism Project at Tarapore:
An international-standard aquarism project is being developed in Tarapore at a cost of ₹350 crore.

Maharashtra Govt Grants Full Tuition And Exam Fee Waiver To Orphan Students In Higher Education

Skilled Workforce Development:
Skill development programs are being launched to train manpower for port operations, including at Vadhavan and other locations.

Norwegian Technology in Fish Farming:
The state is studying advanced fish farming methods from countries like Norway and plans to implement them locally to improve productivity and economic sustainability.

Minister Rane concluded by affirming the government's commitment to “protection, discipline, and productivity” as the three pillars of its strategy to empower fishermen and usher in a golden era for Maharashtra’s fisheries sector.