The Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu will provide A$300 million over the next three years to develop infrastructure for deep sea fishing off the coast of Tamil Nadu, opening up opportunities for Australian organisations to supply sustainable marine technologies and services. With the second longest coastline in India at 1,076 kilometres, Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states for seafood production. Fishing currently takes place about 15 to 20 kilometres off Tamil Nadu’s coastline and in the Palk Straits separating India and Sri Lanka, despite the state’s access to 2.02 million square kilometres of marine resources in the exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles out to sea.
To build a sustainable deep sea fishing industry, the Government of Tamil Nadu has prioritised the development of coastal infrastructure, including modernising harbours
and fish landing centres and building new facilities. It is also acquiring new tuna longliners, mechanising traditional fishing boats and tendering for a new mid-sea fishing vessel. ‘There are opportunities for Australian organisations to assist with boat building by providing design, refrigerated sea water systems, onboard and on-shore fish processing systems, and communications devices,’ said Gregory Harvey, Trade Commissioner, Austrade. There is growing interest from other coastal Indian states looking to improve their processes and capabilities in fisheries and aquaculture, and the region is looking to Australia as a source for technology transfer and innovation.

(Source : Food & Beverage, July 11, 2018)