The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has suggested the establishment of mariculture parks aimed at enhancing the country’s coastal fish production. The proposal was discussed at the 16th Agricultural Science Congress, emphasizing the need for organized and sustainable expansion in the face of growing challenges.
The CMFRI has identified potential sites totalling 46,823.2 hectares for marine cage fish farming and 333 sites covering 23,950 hectares for seaweed farming along Indian territorial waters. Notably, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu emerge as the top three coastal states with substantial areas suitable for sea cage farming.
Scientists advocate for mariculture parks as a strategic move to prevent haphazard expansion, which could disrupt ecosystems and lead to social conflicts. The parks are envisioned to foster comprehensive planning, integrate new production technologies, develop infrastructure, and enhance policy-making for the mariculture sector.
Dr Suresh Kumar Mojjada, presenting the CMFRI’s paper at the congress, emphasized that establishing mariculture technology parks aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for a sustainable blue economy. The integration of indigenous mariculture technologies and strengthened legislation, along with ocean accounting, is seen as pivotal for achieving socio-economic and ecological goals.
CMFRI has pioneered indigenous mariculture technologies covering offshore and nearshore cage fish farming, bivalve farming, seaweed farming, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture practices, and combined farming approaches. The institute underscores the necessity of incorporating fisheries management into climate adaptation plans, emphasizing collaboration among scientists, fishers, traders, processors, policymakers, and other stakeholders to address challenges posed by the climate crisis.
