New Delhi, Mar 19: India is aiming at doubling marine exports including that of tuna fish to four billion dollar by 2012, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, he said Marine exports last fiscal were 1.8 billion dollars and this year they are expected to touch two billion dollar.

"We hope to reach 4 billion dollar export target by 2012," he said. "53 per cent of the marine exports comprise of shrimps and we need to diversify the export basket".

Export of tuna fish, which contributed to only 200 million dollars in 1.8 billion dollar export earnings in 2006-07, are being pushed through technology induction for catching this highly migrating species.

Tuna fish exports are targeted to reach 500 million dollar by 2012, he said.

Andaman and Nicobar Island have been identified as holding 25-30 per cent of tuna potential in the country. "A perspective plan for tuna fishing was released 3-4 months back with main focus for fishing in Andaman and Nicobar sea and also off Vishakapatnam and Tuticorin coast," he said.

He, however, said that the domestic fish market would not be opened for imports. "There is no question of opening our fish market."

Of the 1.8 billion dollar marine exports, 450 million dollar came from Tamil Nadu, 350 million dollar from Kerala and 270 million dollar from Andhra Pradesh. Further, there exists huge untapped potential off Maharasthra and Gujarat coast which would now be harnessed.

"Marine Production Export Development Authority (MPEDA) closely works with the primary producers and exporters to enhance export production, improvement of quality and sustainable aspects of fisheries in the coastal areas," he said.