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In a seamless coordination between the Indian Coast Guard and the Fisheries Department, a successful rescue operation was carried out on Thursday to save a stranded fishing boat, “Thiruchendur Murugan,” along with its ten-member crew from deep waters off the New Mangalore Coast.

The fishing boat, which set sail for a fishing expedition on September 20, encountered distress on September 24 due to a broken engine shaft, leaving it stranded at a distance of 39 nautical miles. The ten fishermen on board found themselves adrift in the challenging waters of the Arabian Sea.

Upon receiving the distress signal, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai promptly alerted the Coast Guard District Headquarters (Karnataka) on Thursday. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Indian Coast Guard swiftly initiated action by deploying Coast Guard vessels C-448 and C-446 to assist the stranded “Thiruchendur Murugan.”

Equipped with advanced navigation and towing capabilities, these vessels closely monitored the towing process, ensuring the safety of the distressed fishing boat throughout the journey. In a well-coordinated operation involving the Indian Coast Guard, the Fisheries Department, and the boat owner, the “Thiruchendur Murugan” was safely towed to Old New Mangalore Harbour. The rescue operation proved timely and effective, preventing the drifting boat from facing further challenges posed by the unpredictable sea conditions.

Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is embarking on an initiative to explore the possibility of breeding the highly sought-after ‘Ghol’ fish, also known as the black spotted croaker, in cages. The CMFRI’s studies on capture-based culture of the ‘ghol’ fish are already underway, signalling a promising development in the aquaculture sector.

The ‘Ghol’ fish, scientifically referred to as protonibea Dicanthus, is renowned for its exceptional market value, particularly in the international market. Its air bladder, a coveted commodity in the wine industry, commands a staggering price range of ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 per kilogram. Despite its presence in Indian seas, Ghol remains relatively scarce, as highlighted by A. Gopalakrishnan, the Director of ICAR-CMFRI.

During the inauguration of the indigenously developed Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) for nursery rearing of finfishes at the CMFRI Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam, Mr. Gopalakrishnan disclosed these exciting developments. Additionally, the CMFRI Vizag centre is also dedicated to the cultivation of other lucrative species, including black pomfret and silver pomfret, both of which enjoy favourable market prices.

The Vizag centre, a pioneer in open sea cage farming in India, has identified suitable locations along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Yanam for the expansion of cage farming in marine environments. Open sea cage farming was initiated at four strategic locations, including Visakhapatnam, Balasore (Odisha), Chennai, and Kochi, back in 2003. The Vizag centre notably achieved a groundbreaking milestone in 2005 by successfully harvesting 3.5 tons of fish through cage culture.

Cage breeding offers several advantages, such as preventing contact with other species and facilitating the production of disease-free, high-quality seedlings. This technology is now being extended to nursery rearing, where the cost of producing 1 kilogram of fish stands at approximately ₹210. The farm gate price, however, commands a significantly higher range of ₹380 to ₹400, providing substantial returns for fish farmers.

In addition to its pioneering work in cage farming, the CMFRI Visakhapatnam centre plays a pivotal role in monitoring fish stock and assessing stock status periodically. This crucial contribution led to the listing of approximately 72 fish species, empowering the State Fisheries Department to formulate effective fisheries management policies.

The government of Himachal Pradesh is taking significant steps to encourage fish farming and increase the income of fishermen in the state. A detailed work plan is in the works, aiming to promote various forms of fish farming, including backyard fish farming, cage culture, and recirculatory aquaculture systems that utilize advanced technology.

In the current financial year, the government plans to construct 20 hectares of new fish ponds in the private sector. To boost earnings for fishermen, the state government has committed to providing an 80 percent subsidy. Additionally, the government will establish 120 new trout units to enhance the capacity of the fisheries sector.

One notable initiative is the establishment of a carp farm in Gagret, Una, with an expenditure of five crores. This facility will offer training to farmers and individuals associated with fisheries. Approximately 600 fishermen will receive training annually at this centre. Moreover, 1000 cast nets will be provided to riverine fish-dependent fishermen in the plain areas, all with the support of subsidies.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the central government has released Rs. 11.26 crore, which will be utilized to promote various fish farming activities in the state.

Himachal Pradesh recognizes the immense potential of fish farming in its rivers and sea areas. The sector not only offers economic opportunities but also employment and self-employment possibilities, particularly considering the rich biodiversity in fish farming.

The state is blessed with perennial rivers originating from glaciers, such as Beas, Sutlej, and Ravi, which are home to various fish species. Successful projects like the Indo-Norwegian Trout Farming Project have sparked interest in utilizing the state’s water resources through modern techniques.

The opening of more anvils for local residents to engage in fish farming in areas like Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Chamera, and Ranjit Sagar Dam is contributing to strengthening the local economy and further promoting the growth of the fish farming sector in Himachal Pradesh.

Mizoram, a picturesque state in northeastern India, holds a significant untapped potential for fish culture, according to officials from the state’s fisheries department. During a review meeting with Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati at the Raj Bhavan, it was revealed that Mizoram boasts an estimated 24,000 hectares of available land that could be developed for fish farming. However, only a modest 22.1% of this potential area, equivalent to 5,527 hectares, has been developed for pisciculture so far.

The review meeting primarily focused on the current state of fish production in Mizoram and the state’s efforts in aligning with the principles of the blue economy—a sustainable approach to harnessing aquatic resources. State fisheries department officials, including Secretary Laldawngliana and Director F Vanlallawma, provided Governor Kambhampati with insights into the initiatives aimed at boosting fish production and promoting sustainable practices within the state.

One of the key topics discussed was the exploration of strategies to increase fish production to meet the rising demand for consumption within Mizoram. With its lush landscapes and abundant water resources, the state is well-positioned to leverage its natural assets for the benefit of its residents

Efforts to develop more of the available land for fish culture hold promise not only for enhancing local food security but also for potentially contributing to the state’s economy. By harnessing a larger portion of its fish farming potential, Mizoram can take significant steps towards achieving self-sufficiency in fish production and fostering sustainable practices aligned with the blue economy principles. The state’s commitment to these endeavors signifies a proactive approach to harnessing its aquatic resources for the well-being of its people and the conservation of its environment.