Aquaculture

The Advisor of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Government of Nagaland, A Panjung Jamir,  shared his insights at the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 held at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, on November 21 and 22, 2023. Jamir participated in both the conference and the International Round Table, which brought together representatives from various countries, including ambassadors.

Jamir emphasized Nagaland’s unique position as a hilly state with picturesque rivers, rich in ornamental and cold-water fisheries. During the conference, he revealed that new fish species are still being discovered in Nagaland’s rivers, underscoring the need for further research and increased investment to identify more ornamental fishes.

In the realm of cold-water fisheries, Jamir highlighted Nagaland’s abundance of cold-water fish species like mahseer, emphasizing the potential for increased production with additional investment. The International Round Table meeting concluded with a commitment to explore investment opportunities in the state, recognizing the untapped potential in both ornamental and cold-water fisheries.

Jamir was accompanied by Dr. Rongsenkumzuk, Deputy Director of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, reinforcing Nagaland’s commitment to leveraging its natural resources for economic and ecological benefits.

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Nishad, the Minister of Fisheries Development in Uttar Pradesh, announced plans to transform the Gomti Hatchery Fish Seed Production Center into the state’s first state-of-the-art hatchery. In the initial phase, the hatchery, located in Bakkas village, Lucknow, saw the development of a hybrid boundary wall, entrance gate, and tube well, amounting to Rs 195.44 lakh, inaugurated by the minister.

The second phase project, with an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore, has been submitted to the Government of India for approval. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, a State of Art Training cum Demonstration Center will be established at five hatcheries managed by the corporation, including Gomti Hatchery in Lucknow, Saryu Hatchery in Ayodhya, Triveni Hatchery in Prayagraj, Coach Hatchery in Jalaun, and Parikshitgarh Hatchery in Meerut.

The Department of Fisheries has proposed a total project cost of Rs 3062.42 lakh to the Government of India. Additionally, an MoU was signed with the National Bureau of Fisheries Genetic Resources, Lucknow, to promote the rearing of Operation Chitala and Operation Pabda Meen in the state.

Dr. Nishad emphasized the need to promote chitala fish in the state’s main rivers and ponds by fish farmers, with plans to rehabilitate chitala fish through river ranching in districts like Ghaghra in Ayodhya, Ganga in Varanasi, and Yamuna in Agra.

Utilizing the expertise of the National Bureau of Genetic Resources of Fisheries, technology will be developed for rearing and cultivating Pabda fish, contributing to the potential doubling of farmers’ income. The Fisheries Department’s schemes, including the Prime Minister’s Fisheries Estate Scheme, Chief Minister’s Fisheries Estate Scheme, Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme, Fishermen’s Welfare Fund, Kisan Credit Card, Fishermen’s Accident Insurance, were highlighted during the event.

Nabarangpur, a district in southern Odisha, once reliant on Andhra Pradesh for its fish supply, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a bustling centre of pisciculture, thanks to the initiatives of the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA). This success story reflects the collaborative efforts of top scientific laboratories affiliated with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) in addressing the socio-economic challenges of Nabarangpur, one of the country’s poorest districts.

The concerted intervention by CIFA and other scientific institutes has led to the establishment of a comprehensive pisciculture value chain in Nabarangpur. The district, primarily known for vegetable cultivation, witnessed a surge in pisciculture activities, facilitated by water bodies created under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and watershed programs.

Nagesh Barik, Principal Scientist at CIFA, highlighted the changes initiated by the institute since 2018, stating that before then, the local fish market was nearly non-existent, with fish primarily sourced from Andhra Pradesh. The systematic intervention by CIFA resulted in the development of six aquaculture clusters, the establishment of high-quality broodstock for seed production, carp hatcheries, seed rearing ponds, feed mills, and fish harvesting groups.

Dr. Barik noted that CIFA provided high-quality germplasm for pisciculture development, leading to the adoption of scientific aquaculture by around 1,000 farmers in Nabarangpur. The district’s own pisciculture market has grown to an estimated value of ₹250 crore, a significant achievement considering its previous non-existence. The demand for fish, particularly from the fish-loving Bengali community, contributes to the thriving market.

Nabarangpur’s success in pisciculture is particularly noteworthy given its status as an ‘aspirational district’ with low per capita income and significant tribal and Scheduled Caste populations. The collaborative efforts of scientific laboratories have not only created employment opportunities but also fostered a sustainable business ecosystem in the district.

Source: The Hindu

Researchers at the Aquaculture Research Institute of Kindai University in Japan are pioneering a solution to address the global challenge of food waste by utilizing aquaculture. With an estimated 1.3 billion metric tons of food wasted annually worldwide, one-third of the global supply, the team led by Professor Yoshifumi Sawada is focusing on breeding rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens), a species often discarded due to its poisonous spines and unpleasant smell.

The researchers are developing full-cycle technology to cultivate rabbitfish using vegetable waste such as cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, carrot, cucumber, and herbs like basil and perilla. By collaborating with local grocery stores, traders, and farmers to collect waste vegetables as feed, they aim to establish a circular aquaculture model that reduces food waste and connects urban and rural areas.

The initiative, seen as a potential solution to the approximately 8 million metric tons of food wasted annually in Japan, also targets changing consumer preferences. Despite the well-established aquaculture industry in Japan, there is a strong preference for fish from capture fisheries. The rabbitfish farming project seeks to shift this mindset by showcasing the eco-friendly and sustainable aspects of aquaculture.

Professor Sawada envisions a collaborative effort involving various sectors, including agriculture, distribution, processing, education, and chefs. The team is working to make their technology open source and plans to engage in a crowdsourcing approach with other countries interested in breeding herbivorous fish.

The research involves rearing rabbitfish juveniles in land-based tanks with a flow-through system, where waste vegetables serve as their primary feed. While initial results show no signs of malnutrition during the rearing period, further research is needed to assess taste, texture, and color impact.

The team has formed a group with RelationFish, a company comprising chefs and restaurant managers in the Kansai region, to promote the new form of aquaculture. They aim to involve the public in discussions about declining fish stocks, the impact of climate change on the ocean, marine environment protection, and food waste prevention. The efforts include educating chefs, schools, and universities about the benefits of aquaculture and encouraging the consumption of sustainably farmed fish like rabbitfish.

Source: Global Seafood

Mohammad Farooq Dar, the Director of Fisheries, Jammu and Kashmir, kick-started the introduction of an impressive 5,000 trout fingerlings into the Kishenganga River. This initiative, aimed at generating employment opportunities, particularly in the Gurez sub-division of the district, underscores the government’s commitment to advancing trout culture in both the Kashmir Valley and across Jammu and Kashmir.

During the inauguration of a survey cum inspection hut in Dawar, Gurez, which incurred an estimated cost of 36.52 lakhs, Director Dar signaled a substantial investment in infrastructure. Supported by NHPC grants, the project also saw the introduction of two pairs of American Raceways at the Wanpora trout unit in Gurez, completed at a cost of 16.32 lakhs. This addition is anticipated to double the production capacity of the unit from 4 tons to 8 tons, reflecting a significant stride in promoting sustainable fisheries.

Director Dar, underscoring the government’s unwavering support for trout culture initiatives, emphasized the positive regional impact of such endeavours. Assistant Director Fisheries, Showkat Ahmad, encouraged youth to actively participate in trout fish farming, highlighting the department’s relentless efforts and the availability of government employment-generating schemes.

In the final phase of his district tour in Bandipora, Director Dar engaged with the fisherman community in Zurimanz village, located on the periphery of Wular Lake. He attentively listened to their grievances and assured prompt attention to all genuine demands. Additionally, the director handed over a new boat to the department’s field functionaries at Zuriamnz beat, equipping them for anti-poaching operations to combat any illegal fishing activities by poachers.

In a bid to diversify inland aquaculture, Kerala is shifting its focus from Indian Major Carps to native freshwater species like Varal (Snakehead murrel) and Karimeen (Pearl spot). The state Fisheries department aims to capitalize on the market potential and higher commercial value of these native species, addressing the relatively lower demand for Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal among consumers.

To overcome challenges in promoting native species, particularly the absence of quality fish seeds, the Fisheries department has approved ₹259.11 lakh for the ‘Diversification of fish seed production’ project. This initiative, under the Agency for Development of Aquaculture, Kerala (ADAK) hatcheries, aims to enhance inland fish seed production by diversifying species, producing genetically improved and healthy seeds, and ensuring the supply of quality seeds to farmers.

With an annual inland freshwater fish production of approximately 37,000 tonnes in Kerala, where Indian Major Carps dominate 70% of the market, the department seeks to increase the annual production of native species to at least 50%. The ADAK hatcheries, with a capacity to produce six crore seeds annually, aim to achieve the targeted native fish production within two to three years.

While the export market continues to favour shrimp and crab, the primary demand for Indian Major Carps remains in the local domestic market. The strategic shift towards promoting native freshwater species aligns with market trends, offering fish farmers improved marketability and better prices.

Source: The Hindu

Renowned aquaculture expert Megan Sorby, formerly the Operations Manager at Kingfish Maine, is embarking on a groundbreaking venture to farm red drum, a prized game fish facing shortages in the United States. Red drum, also known as redfish, is native to the US Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico, and its commercial harvest has been restricted since the 1980s due to overfishing.

Sorby’s project aims to cultivate red drum in a yet-to-be-disclosed location, utilizing Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology. The species, in high demand in the US, has been largely supplied by imported farmed fish.

Commenting on the initiative, Sorby emphasized the importance of cultivating this native species domestically. She stated, “There’s deep US investment in the research and development of this species. Pairing red drum with RAS technology optimizes this species to its fullest potential in a domestic location.”

Megan Sorby, along with her partner Tom Sorby, played a pivotal role in establishing The Kingfish Company’s RAS facility in Maine. While she has transitioned to an advisory role with Kingfish, Tom now serves as the Operations Manager. Kingfish Maine recently celebrated its first harvest of Dutch yellowtail in Maine, marking a successful expansion for the Netherlands-based company in the US.

The upcoming red drum farming project aligns with Sorby’s commitment to sustainable and technologically advanced aquaculture practices. Further details about the project’s location and progress are anticipated as it develops.

Source: Fish Farmer

The Fisheries department of Kerala is launching innovative schemes to utilize waterbodies and canals exceeding 10 hectares in a bid to promote sustainable inland fish farming and engage the public. These areas, currently unused for fish farming, will be identified, divided, and dedicated to scientific fish farming through fish seed ranching.

Under the scheme, Kudumbashree groups, fisher cooperatives, and other self-help organizations are potential beneficiaries. The project, conducted in collaboration with local bodies, offers a substantial 60% financial assistance to the participants. The initiative aims to cultivate various species, including snakehead, pearl spot, and carp.

To ensure responsible implementation, the maximum investment for a one-hectare project has been capped at ₹15 lakh. Additionally, the department is introducing a complementary scheme involving pen units in waterbodies larger than 10 hectares, where constructing temporary ridges is impractical.

Each unit, costing a maximum of ₹1.75 lakh, will receive a significant 60% financial assistance from the government. The plan involves depositing ten to 15 fish seeds per square meter in net enclosures measuring 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width.

For more details on these groundbreaking initiatives, interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Fisheries Department directly, as announced by the Fisheries Deputy Director of the state.

A cage culture unit has been inaugurated at Kuhtoli Beel of Gorukhuti Project in Darrang district under the World Bank-funded APART project in order to enhance fish seed production in the state. The chairman of the project, Padma Hazarika, marked the launch by releasing seeds into the water body, emphasizing the importance of the State Fishery department’s innovative approach to meet the rising demand for high-yielding fish seeds at an affordable price.

During the inauguration, Chairman Hazarika commended the State Fishery department’s efforts and the scientific approach employed in establishing the fish seedlings growing unit. The cage culture unit, part of the APART project, aims to address the challenges of fish seed availability and quality in the region. Deputy Commissioner Munindra Nath Ngatey, CEO of Gorukhuti Project Uddipta Gautam, and other dignitaries were present at the event.

The cage culture unit is designed to produce 70,000-80,000 advanced fingerlings every three months, catering to the needs of local farmers. Bipul Khataniar, the District Fishery Development Officer (DFDO), highlighted the significance of scientific rearing practices in ensuring the quality of fish seed. However, geographical constraints and a lack of nursery ponds have hindered fish culture in the Gorukhuti project area.

To overcome these challenges, the cage culture unit utilizes natural water resources to rear high-yielding fish seed. This approach enables the exploitation of underused water resources and contributes to the production of quality fish seed for local farmers. A training session for local fish growers was conducted prior to the inauguration, with Dr. Sanjay Sarma, the fishery coordinator of ARIAS society, providing valuable insights into genetic awareness and the introduction of high-yielding fish varieties.

Cage culture, a dynamic aquaculture production system, involves holding fish in floating nets enclosed in cages. This method allows water exchange and waste removal into the surrounding water, making it adaptable to various bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers with proper water quality, access, and legal authorization. The newly launched cage culture unit represents a promising initiative to boost fish seed production and contribute to the sustainable development of aquaculture in the region.

Source: Sentinel Assam

Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), an Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) organization, has unveiled a genetically improved strain of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium Rosenbergii, commonly known as ‘scampi.’ India, once a major producer of this species, experienced a decline in production since 2006 due to poor growth rates, diseases, inbreeding, and competition from high-volume producers like Vannamei shrimp and pangas fish.

Named CIFA-GI Scampi, this genetically enhanced strain has been meticulously developed over 14 generations through a breeding program that involved careful selection of scampi populations from diverse regions across India, including Gujarat, Kerala, and Odisha, spanning from 2008 to 2020.

The breakthrough comes as a response to the challenges faced by fish farmers, who withdrew from scampi aquaculture as the prawn’s size had decreased over time. The officially registered CIFA-GI Scampi promises fast growth, marking a potential resurgence of scampi in the platters of food lovers.

Under the Prime Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a Central sector scheme, the Department of Fisheries sanctioned a project in 2021 with funding of ₹4 crore to scale up the genetic improvement program. The funding facilitated the enhancement of infrastructure facilities for the production of new generations of CIFA-GI Scampi.

Dr. Bindu R. Pillai, Principal Investigator of the Scampi Project, expressed confidence in the success of CIFA-GI Scampi in inland waters. With a harvest period of only seven months, it is anticipated that CIFA-GI Scampi farming will yield bumper returns.

According to CIFA, the multiplier hatcheries can now produce approximately 400 million seeds, allowing for an additional production area ranging from 12,500 to 25,000 hectares. The increased awareness of the economic benefits of CIFA-GI Scampi among the farming community has contributed to a remarkable 2.5-fold increase in scampi production in the country, rising from 8,303 tonnes to 21,317 tonnes in 2021-22.

In support of rapid expansion, ICAR has designated five scampi hatcheries as multiplier hatcheries responsible for producing CIFA-GI SCAMPI® seeds and supplying them to farmers. Plans are underway to add more hatcheries to the network, with an ambitious target of bringing 25,000 hectares under scampi cultivation by 2026. This breakthrough is poised to reshape the landscape of freshwater aquaculture in India, offering new opportunities for farmers and delighting food enthusiasts with the revival of the beloved scampi.