Thiruvananthapuram:  Lakshwadeep, the island is located in off coast of the Kerala state,  has started exporting premium tuna fish to Japan through Bengaluru. The first consignment of chilled tuna fish was transported from Agati airport to Bengaluru on Saturday, with the Union Territory administration joining hands with a private partner for the export.

With this successful daily trial run, the company is planning to expand the trade with more quantities chartering exclusive cargo flights with 5 metric ton capacity daily from Agatti to Bangalore for subsequent transport to Tokyo, Japan. This chartered flight will bring other essential commodities from Bangalore and return with tuna fish. 

With over 20,000 sq km territorial water, Lakshadweep has the highest potential of tuna, a high-value fish. More than 60 percent of the population of Lakshadweep is completely dependent on fishing as a livelihood.

Of the 12,500 households in the islands, there are around 7,197 registered fishermen operating with 2158 fishing boats. As per the estimated data of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, annually, Lakshadweep can harvest up to 1 lakh metric tons of tuna.  According to a study by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Lakshwadeep has the potential to export 1 lakh tonnes of tuna fish a month.

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