Mariculture Development in India: Status and Way Forward

Mariculture has immense potential in India in the context of fast-growing demand for seafood, which cannot be met by capture fisheries sector alone. Mariculture can also play an important role in increasing fish production from the coastal and offshore waters by involving local fishers 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 finfishes such as cobia, silver pompano, Indian pompano, sea bass, groupers, snappers, breams and ornamental fishes, shell fishes 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.