Thiruvananthapuram, India – Union Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala, during his visit to Kerala ahead of the 8th phase of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra, has revealed an extensive strategy to enhance the mariculture sector in the country. The plan includes expanding cage fish farming operations and scaling up pearl oyster production.
Mr. Rupala emphasized the immediate focus on expanding cage fish farming into offshore waters using larger and more advanced cages, with diameters of 30 or more, capable of accommodating a significant number of juvenile fish. Currently, cage farming employs 6-diameter cages in nearshore waters.
He urged the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) to lead research and development efforts in creating these advanced cages, which are expected to substantially increase mariculture production.
Additionally, Mr. Rupala called for the expansion of seed production technologies for fin fishes across coastal states through public-private partnerships, addressing seed constraints and ensuring adequate supplies to fish farmers nationwide.
To promote sustainable mariculture practices, the central government is set to introduce a Mariculture Leasing Policy, ensuring suitable locations and preventing environmental harm from mariculture operations.
The minister also highlighted the untapped potential of pearl oyster production and encouraged CMFRI to play a more proactive role in its scaling up. He stressed the importance of research and innovation in hatchery technologies for large-scale pearl oyster production.
Mr. Rupala proposed a sea ranching program for hatchery-produced pearl oyster spats along the Tuticorin coast, a move aimed at reviving the area’s historical reputation as a “Pearl City” known for its pearl fisheries.
Furthermore, the Union Minister discussed the prospects of marine ornamental fishery, suggesting the development of effective marketing avenues in collaboration with stakeholders. This initiative is expected to provide an economic boost to the marine ornamental industry.
These ambitious plans unveiled by the Union Fisheries Minister are poised to transform India’s mariculture sector and contribute to the sustainable development of marine resources.