Mariculture Development in India: Status and Way Forward

Abstract

Mariculture has immense potential in India in the context of fast-growing demand for seafood, which cannot be
met by capture fi sheries sector alone. Mariculture can also play an important role in increasing fi sh production
from the coastal and off shore waters by involving local fi shers and entrepreneurs to take up the activity. The
pioneering attempts for mariculture development in the country by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute (CMFRI) on seed production and farming of fi nfi shes such as cobia, silver pompano, Indian pompano,
sea bass, groupers, snappers, breams and ornamental fi shes, shell fi shes such as molluscs, marine pearl production
and seaweed farming, sea-cage farming, Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA). Recirculating Aquaculture
System (RAS) and aquatic animal health management are highlighted and suggested strategies for way forward