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Under the auspices of the Kerala Fisheries and Ocean Studies University (KUFOS), a groundbreaking pilot project has been initiated, aiming to revolutionize both organic waste management and the aquaculture industry. This innovative venture focuses on transforming organic waste into a valuable protein source for fish feed, using the efficient decomposers known as black soldier fly larvae.

In a remarkable collaboration, KUFOS has partnered with Amala Eco Clean Private Limited, a firm based in Alappuzha, specializing in organic waste management. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this visionary project was officially signed by Dinesh Kaippilly, Registrar at KUFOS, and Joseph Niclavose, Director of Amala Eco Clean Private Limited.

Vice-Chancellor T Pradeep Kumar of KUFOS envisions the potential for this project to expand across all districts if the pilot project yields promising results. Beyond addressing Kerala’s persistent challenge of organic waste management, this endeavor seeks to create high-value export-oriented products derived from the larvae of soldier flies. It presents an innovative solution not only for waste management but also for economic diversification.

At its core, this project aims to produce the essential protein required for fish feed by utilizing black soldier fly larvae to process organic waste. This approach not only stands as an eco-friendly solution but also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fish feed production. The black soldier fly larvae are renowned for their high protein and fat content, potentially revolutionizing the aquaculture industry by providing a renewable protein source for fish.

While the primary focus of the project is waste management and sustainable fish feed production, it holds the potential to yield other high-value export-oriented products sourced from soldier fly larvae. This diversification of revenue sources could contribute significantly to the state’s economy while simultaneously reducing waste.

This pilot project represents a remarkable stride in both waste management and aquaculture, with potential global implications. Its success could redefine how we approach organic waste, transforming it from a problem into a resource. Furthermore, it could enhance the sustainability of the aquaculture industry by offering a renewable and eco-friendly protein source for fish feed.

Union Minister of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, Parshottam Rupala, has unveiled a report showcasing the robust health and sustainability of India’s marine fish stock. This report, titled ‘Marine Fish Stock Status of India 2022,’ was conducted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and reveals that an impressive 91.1% of the 135 fish stocks assessed in 2022 were found to be in excellent health.

The report’s findings not only signify a remarkable achievement in India’s commitment to sustainable marine fisheries but also serve to strengthen the country’s position at the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is anticipated that this revelation will positively impact India’s standing in international trade negotiations, particularly in the realm of seafood exports.

Furthermore, the report highlights a significant reduction in unsustainable practices, with just 4.4% of the assessed stocks facing overfishing. Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI, expressed that these findings could be a game-changer in the seafood market. They may enable India to access premium markets and command higher prices for its seafood products, as sustainability has become a pivotal criterion in global seafood trade.

Dr. Gopalakrishnan emphasized that these findings reflect the collective efforts of the marine fisheries sector in striking a balance between economic growth and ecological conservation. In addition to the report, CMFRI also released a special publication titled ‘Good Management Practices in Seaweed Farming.’

Interestingly, CMFRI has identified 333 prospective seaweed farming sites covering 23,950 hectares in India. Collaborating with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management in Chennai, they have created an interactive map of these sites. Despite having immense potential with a seaweed production capacity of 9.88 million tonnes wet weight annually, current production stands at a mere 52,107 tonnes wet weight each year.

Seaweed farming, if fully harnessed, has the potential to generate revenue of up to Rs 13.28 lakhs per hectare annually on a dry-weight basis. This indicates a significant opportunity for India to tap into the potential of seaweed farming, contributing to economic growth and sustainability in the marine sector.

Kochi: In a move to enhance the livelihoods of fishermen and promote sustainable fishing practices, the Union government is set to install artificial reefs in 3,477 fishing villages nationwide, including 220 villages in Kerala. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

Artificial reefs have already demonstrated their effectiveness, with a remarkable 17 to 30 percent increase in catch observed at locations where they have been previously installed, according to CMFRI. These artificial reefs, designed with scientific precision, serve as self-sustaining marine production systems on the seabed.

Under the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, this project is receiving 60 percent of its funding from the Central government and 40 percent from state governments. In partnership with the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation Limited (KSCADC), site identification for reef installations has been finalized after conducting five pre-stakeholder workshops in 42 villages across the Thiruvananthapuram district.

Artificial reefs discourage destructive practices like bottom trawling in nearshore areas, promoting marine environment regeneration that is particularly beneficial to small-scale fishers. These reefs attract over 300 different species, including commercially valuable ones such as breams, groupers, snappers, cobia, and mackerel, among others.

Principal scientist Joe K Kizhakudan, under the leadership of CMFRI, has been spearheading the installation of artificial reefs in the coastal waters of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala. The success of this innovative technology has led to its expansion across the country, promising improved fishing outcomes and a more sustainable marine ecosystem.

Director A Gopalakrishnan of CMFRI emphasized that the institute has developed comprehensive protocols for site selection, design, fabrication, deployment, and impact assessment of these artificial reefs. This endeavor not only supports the livelihoods of fishermen but also contributes to marine conservation efforts.