Rapid Fire
Tuna Export Hub in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- 19 Nov 2024
- 2 min read
Recently, the Fisheries Department plans to develop the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands as a tuna export hub.
- The global tuna market is worth USD 41.94 billion and the Indian Ocean is considered the second-largest tuna region, producing 21% of the world's tuna.
- As per Marine Products Export Development Authority, India's tuna exports surged by 31.83% in 2023-24, (valued at USD 87.96 million).
- The majority of the market is made up of four tuna species namely, Skipjack, Yellowfin, Bigeye, and Albacore.
- Due to their vascular system, tunas can uniquely maintain their body temperature above the surrounding water, often between 5 to 12 °C (higher than the ambient temperature).
- A&N Islands:
- This comprises of two island groups (Andman Islands and the Nicobar Islands) which separates the Andaman Sea to the east from the Indian Ocean.
- The Ten Degree Channel is a narrow strait that separates both the group of Islands.
- Indira Point (situated on Great Nicobar Island) is the southernmost tip of the Nicobar Islands.
- The ANI is home to 5 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups: Great Andamanese, Jarwas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese.
Read more: Andaman and Nicobar Islands to be Maritime and Startup Hub
