AQUATIC BIOTECHNOLOGY DA1

FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE IN INDIA

Submitted by
Chelsea Josephine Charles
School of Biosciences and Technology
Submitted to
Dr. Samanta Sekhar Khora
School of Biosciences and Technology
 Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..3

Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………….2

Importance of Fisheries and Aquaculture…………………………………………….4

Evolution of India’s aquaculture and fisheries……………………………………….5

 Fresh water Aquaculture……………………………….................................5

 Brackish water Aquaculture……………………………................................6

 Mariculture ……………………………………….........................................7

Cultured Species...........................................................................................................7

Sector Performance ……………………………………………………………….....8

 Production……………………………………………………………………10

 Market Analysis ……………………………………………………………...10

Government Efforts ………………………………………………………………...10

Research, Education and Training…………………………………………………..11

Advantages of Aquaculture and fisheries…………………………………………...12

Disadvantages of Aquaculture and fisheries ……………………………………….13

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………..15

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………...…15

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INTRODUCTION

Currently, around 580 aquatic species are

farmed across the world, exhibiting a wide range
of genetic variation both within and between
species. Aquaculture is practised by both
impoverished farmers and large corporations in
developing countries. India is the world's
second-largest fish producer, accounting for
almost 5.43 percent of worldwide fish
production. After China, India is the second-
largest aquaculture producer. India has a 7516
km coastline, a 2.02 million km2 Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and more than 1 billion people
(almost 20%) reside in coastal areas. A fishery (plural: fisheries) is an organized effort by humans
to catch fish or other aquatic species, an activity known as fishing. A fishery is an organized effort
by humans to catch fish or other aquatic species, an activity known as fishing.
Generally, a fishery exists for the purpose of providing human food, although other aims are
possible (such as sport or recreational fishing), or obtaining ornamental fish or fish products such
as fish oil.
Fisheries and aquaculture are vital to the country's economy and survival. Fish culture is mentioned
in Kautilya's Arthashastra (321–300 B.C.) and King Someswara's Manasoltara as a very old
tradition in India (1127 A.D.). Fish cultivation in tiny ponds has been practiced in eastern India for
hundreds of years. With the regulated breeding of carp in bundhs in the early nineteenth century,
this practice grew considerably in the state of West Bengal (tanks or impoundments where riverine
conditions are simulated). Fish culture was first recognized in the state of Tamil Nadu (formerly
Madras) in 1911, and governments like Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Baroda, Mysore, and
Hyderabad followed suit by establishing Fisheries Departments and providing support to fishermen
and farmers to expand the industry.
Brackish water aquaculture has a long history in India, including ancient practises in the bheries of
West Bengal and the pokkali fields of Kerala. Only in the early 1990s did the country begin to use
scientific agricultural management, which has since grown into a significant export-oriented sector.
However, due to their great export potential, commercial farming was limited to a single
commodity: shrimp (Penaeus monodon and Penaeus vannamei). India's entire estuary area is
projected to be 3.9 million hectares, with 1.2 million hectares of coastal salt-affected areas
recognized as prospective brackish water shrimp farming sites. Around 15% of the total potential
area has been set aside for aquaculture. In the hot semi-arid and arid eco-region of the northern

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plains and central high lands in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and
Gujarat, surface and sub-soil salty water has been predicted to damage around 9 million hectares of
land. Aside from the gigantic tiger prawn (P. monodon), several marine/brackish water fish/shrimp
species including milkfish, pearl-spot, and mullets have showed potential for commercial
aquaculture in such inland saline soil/water regions. Such waters have been shown to have a
production potential ranging from 0.5 to 3 tonnes /hectare/year. (ICAR, India, 2013, Handbook of
Fisheries and Aquaculture).

IMPORTANCE OF FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE

Aquaculture is the practice of raising, breeding, and harvesting aquatic animals and plants in
controlled aquatic environments such as oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. It is used for a
variety of purposes, including food production, the restoration of threatened and endangered
species populations, the enhancement of wild stock populations, the construction of aquariums, and
the cultivation of fish and habitat restoration.
Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture contribute significantly to development in the areas of
employment (over 41 million people work in fish production worldwide, the vast majority of
whom live in developing countries); food security and nutrition (fish is an important source of
nutrients for the poor and is often the cheapest form of animal protein); and trade. The more reliant
a country is on fisheries for its foreign exchange earnings and food security, the argument goes, the
more likely that policy makers will recognize their importance and that this will be reflected in
development policy. As farming and terrestrial livestock often both generate more foreign
exchange and are perceived to make a larger contribution to food security than other renewable
resource sectors such as forestry and fisheries, they generally receive much more attention in
national development strategies and donor priorities.
Inland fishes are important food and nutritional resources, especially rural economies in
developing countries. Low-income food-deficit countries account for 80 percent of the total
reported harvest from inland capture fisheries. Over 90 percent of global inland capture fisheries
production is used for human consumption, the majority of which is in the developing world. For
example, fish account for 50 percent of all animal protein consumed in Bangladesh. Critically, the
contribution of inland fisheries to meeting food security is considered grossly underestimated.
Inland fish are particularly important in addressing “hidden hunger” (micronutrient deficiencies
and their related health issues; Inland fishes provide protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D,
calcium, B vitamins, vitamin A, iron, zinc, and lysine to those where other nutritional sources are
not available or are cost-prohibitive. Particularly in the developing world, small fish eaten whole
provide an important source of nutrients (e.g., calcium and vitamin A) that are difficult to obtain
through other dietary sources. Consumption of inland fish has been shown to mitigate the effects of

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some micronutrient deficiency-related illnesses, such as rickets in Bangladeshi children. Moreover,
because these often small inland fishes can be readily dried or preserved, they also provide year-
long nutrient sources, such as dried kapenta (Limnothrissa miodon; Stolothrissa tanganicae) in
Zambia. Secondarily to direct human consumption, inland fish can also be used in feed for
livestock and aquaculture operations. For example, sun-dried dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea) is
used as chicken feed around Lake Victoria when not suitable for human consumption.

EVOLUTION OF INDIA’S AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES

Fisheries in India is a very important economic activity and a flourishing sector with varied
resources and potentials. Only after the Indian Independence, has fisheries together with
agriculture been recognized as an important sector. The vibrancy of the sector can be visualized by
the 11–fold increase that India achieved in fish production in just six decades, i.e. from 0.75
million tonnes in 1950-51 to 9.6 million tonnes during 2012–13. This resulted in an unparalleled
average annual growth rate of over 4.5 percent over the years which has placed the country on the
forefront of global fish production, only after China. Besides meeting the domestic needs, the
dependence of over 14.5 million people on fisheries activities for their livelihood and foreign
exchange earnings to the tune of US$ 3.51 billion (2012–13) from fish and fisheries products,
amply justifies the importance of the sector on the country's economy and in livelihood security.
India is also an important country that produces fish through aquaculture in the world. India is
home to more than 10 percent of the global fish diversity. Presently, the country ranks second in
the world in total fish production with an annual fish production of about 9.06 million metric
tonnes.

† Freshwater Aquaculture

Importance of freshwater aquaculture in the global

aquaculture production is evident as it accounted for
63.8% of global total of 47,102,391 t. Freshwater
aquaculture production trends in India Aquaculture
production in India has been increasing steadily
over the years and during 2015-16 the figure was
about 5.77 million t (Fig. 1). Bulk of the carp
production in the country is contributed by the three State-wise inland and freshwater fish production in India

Indian major carps (IMCs), namely catla (Catla catla), rohu (Labeo rohita) and mrigal (Cirrhinus
mrigala). Exotic species, namely silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), grass carp
(Ctenopharyngodon idella) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) form the second important group.
National freshwater fish productivity has registered marked rise from 0.6 t ha-1 yr-1 (1974) to 3 t

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ha-1 yr-1 at present. Many farmers have demonstrated productivity levels as high as 8-12 t ha-1 yr-
1. Further, freshwater aquaculture production has begun to diversify, incorporating medium and
minor carps, catfishes and murrels. The only species from the freshwater sector that goes to the
export market has been the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), while carps and
other finfishes are grown for the domestic market. Recently, production of M. rosenbergii has
plummeted, while that of white legged shrimp Penaeus vannamei enhanced considerably. With a
national per capita consumption of 11 kg, fish is recognized as one of the chief components in the
domestic food security in India. Freshwater aquaculture is a homestead activity in several parts of
the country. Besides contributing to the nutritional security, it also helps in bringing additional
income to the poor rural households. Aquaculture brings about socio-economic development in
terms of income and employment through the use of unutilized and underutilized resources in
many parts of the country

† Brackish water Aquaculture

Brackish water aquaculture in India, though a traditional practice in bheries (manmade

impoundments in coastal wetlands) of West Bengal and pokkali (salt resistant deepwater paddy)
fields along the Kerala coast, the scientific farming in the country has been initiated only in early
1990s. In the traditional system of culture, tidal water is impounded in the inter-tidal mudflats by
raising bunds. Tidal water with all assorted fish and shrimp seed is allowed to enter through sluice-
gates during spring tides. Harvesting of marketable sized fish and shrimp is done regularly during
spring tides through traps placed near the sluice gates. There is no manuring and feeding. Thus,
with no additional input, except that of trapping the naturally bred juvenile fish and shrimp seed,
these systems have been sustaining production levels between 500–750 kg/ha/year with shrimp
contributing 20–25 percent of the total production. In Kerala, two types of shrimp culturing are
traditionally practiced in low-lying backwaters. In perennial fields, shrimp culture is carried out
throughout the year using trap-and culture method. In seasonal fields, rice cultivation is carried out
during monsoon months using local variety, ’Pokkali’, and after its harvest, shrimp culture is
practiced by trapping tidal waters. In India, brackish water aquaculture sector is largely based on
farming of Penaeus monodon. Other shrimp species, i.e., Penaeus indicus, P. merguiensis and P.
semisulcatus, are considered as potential ones and cultivation of Penaeus vannamei has been
gaining momentum in the recent years. In India, a major shift in India’s policy on shrimp took
place with the introduction of an exotic species of shrimp, viz, Penaeus vannamei. The pilot-scale
introduction of P.vannamei initiated in 2003 and after a risk analysis study large-scale introduction
has been permitted in 2009. The introduction of vannamei in India occurred under controlled
conditions with a clear procedure laid down by the government. Initially, two companies, Sarat
Seafood and BMR hatcheries, were given permission to import brood stock from approved
countries and conduct trials in a restricted environment. The Central Institute of Brackish water

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Aquaculture and National Bureau for Fish Genetic Resources conducted the risk analysis for the
introduction of vannamei in India.

† Mariculture

The earliest attempt at mariculture in India was made at the Mandapam center of CMFRI in 1958–
1959 with the culture of milkfish (Chanos chanos). Over the last three decades, CMFRI has
developed various technologies for a number of species including oysters, mussels and clams
among sedentary species, as well as for shrimps and finfish. Investigation of the culture
possibilities for mussels was initiated in early 1970s by the CMFRI which resulted in the
development of a range of practices for the culture of these species. Among maritime states, Kerala
was the first to recognize the advantages of utilizing mussel farming technology in rural
development, from a meagre production in 1997 where cultured mussel production rose to 1 250
tonnes in 2002 with over 250 mussel farms being established in the estuaries of Kerala.
Mariculture, with technologies developed in the recent years, is an option for supplementing the
marine capture fisheries and also gainful employment for the fisherfolk in the coastal areas.
Mussels, oysters and seaweeds have been the main component of mariculture, with some
possibilities of crab and lobster fattening. Green mussel, Perna viridis and Indian brown mussel,
P.indica are the two important mussel species viable in the country, the culture technologies of
which have been standardized.

CULTURED SPECIES

While carp form the most important species farmed in freshwater in India, it is the shrimp from
the brackish water sector which contributes the bulk of the production. The three Indian major
carps, namely, catla (Catla catla), rohu labeo (Labeo rohita) and mrigal carp (Cirrhinus mrigala)
contribute over 90 percent of the total Indian aquaculture production. Introduced during the 1970s
into the carp polyculture system in the country, three exotic carps, namely, silver carp
(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix); grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and common carp
(Cyprinus carpio) now form a second important group. In spite of the fact that the country also
possesses several other cultivable medium and minor carp species which show high regional
demand, including, Labeo calbasu, L. fimbriatus, L. gonius, L. bata, L. ariza, Puntius sarana,
Hypselobarbus pulchellus, H. kolus and Amblypharyngodon mola, as well as several others,
commercial farming of these species has yet to take off. (Ayyappan and Jena, 2003). Among the
catfishes, Philippine catfish, 'magur' (Clarias batrachus) is the only species that has received a lot
of attention. Stinging catfish, 'Singhi' (Heteropneustes fossilis) is another air-breathing catfish
species being cultured to a certain extent in swamps and derelict water bodies, especially in the

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eastern states. In recent years, attempts have been made to develop the culture of fishes like
Pangasius pangasius,Pangasius sutchi, Oreochromis niloticus, Ompok pabda etc. The other finfish
species of importance include climbing perch (Anabas testudineus), murrels (Channa striata andC.
marulius), etc. Among the freshwater prawns, the giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii),
is the most important species followed by the monsoon river prawn, M.malcolmsonii.

The brackish water aquaculture sector is mainly supported by shrimp production, as well as, the
giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), which is responsible for the bulk of production followed by
the recently introduced whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. In fact, the culture of this shrimp
picked up on par with tiger shrimp in very short span of time. Although India possesses several
other potential species of finfish and shellfish, the production of these, is still very low key. In
seawater, the major farmed species are the green mussel (Perna viridis), Indian brown mussel
(Perna indica), Indian backwater oyster (Crassostrea madrasensis), Japanese pearl oyster (Pinctada
fucata) and seaweed species like Gracilaria edulis.

SECTOR PERFORMANCE

Freshwater aquaculture

Carp culture is based around the 'polyculture' of the three Indian major carps (catla, roho labeo and
mrigal carp), as well as 'composite carp culture' of the three Indian major carps with the three
exotic carps (silver, grass and common carp). Standard practices in carp culture include:

 The stocking of carp at combined densities varies depending on the system of culture as
detailed in the above paragraphs.

 Pond fertilization with organic manures from cattle or poultry, as well as inorganic
fertilizers like urea and single super phosphate.

 Provision of supplementary feeds mainly in the form of a mixture of rice bran/wheat bran
and groundnut/mustard oilcake in equal ratio.

The technology for such semi-intensive carp culture has been demonstrated and the carp culture
was virtually revolutionized ultimately raising the average Indian production from still-water
ponds from 0.6 tonnes/ha/year in 1974 to over 2.90 tonnes/ha/year at present.

Culture of catfish

The pond culture of catfish involves mainly Philippine catfish ‘magur’ (Clarias batrachus) is
currently propagated on a large scale along the north-eastern regions, mainly in the State of Assam.

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While the stinging catfish, ‘singhi’ (Heteropneustes fossilis) has potentials of mono- and
polyculture (Clarias and Anabas). Considering the high market demand for catfish and the
availability of a huge potential resource in the form of swamps and derelict waters, commercial
farming of these species are presently receiving important attention. Lately, with the introduction
of Pangasius sutchi and Oreochromis niloticus, enterprising farmers are resorting to the culture of
these fishes on commercial scale.

Culture of giant river prawn

The giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is the largest and fastest growing species
being farmed and possesses considerable demand both in domestic and international markets. M.
rosenbergii is cultured either alone (monoculture) or in combination with carps (polyculture). The
monoculture of giant river prawn is mostly confined to ponds with supplementary feeding and a
production yield level of 1.0–1.5 tonnes/hectare in a 7–8 month production cycle using single
stocking and both single/multiple harvesting. The polyculture of freshwater prawn juveniles carp
has also been demonstrated to be economically viable.

Non-conventional culture systems

Sewage-fed fish culture and rice paddy-cum-fish culture are two important culture systems
practiced in certain areas of the country; sewage-fed fish culture in bheries in West Bengal is an
age-old practice. About 5 700 ha are currently being utilized for fish culture using the input of
primary-treated sewage and produces over 7 000 tonnes of fish per annum, mainly consisting of the
major and minor carps. The culture system usually involves multiple stocking and multiple
harvesting approaches, with harvest size usually in the range of 300–500 g. Though stocking
densities of 7 000–10 000 of advanced fingerlings per ha is prescribed. Normally, multiple
stocking and multiple harvesting is adopted and fishes are reared for 3–5 months, depending on the
growth of the fishes to reach marketable size of 250–400 g. (Handbook 0f Fisheries and
Aquaculture, 2013).

Brackish water aquaculture

Brackish water aquaculture in India is restricted to shrimp farming utilizing semi-intensive culture
practices mainly with giant tiger prawn at stocking densities of 0.1–0.3 million/ha. With the
provision of a high protein diet, water exchange, aeration and improved health management,
production levels of 4–6 tonnes/ha have been demonstrated in a production period of 4–5 months.
However, the presence of white spot syndrome during 1994–1995 drastically reduced prawn
farming activity in the late 1990s. The adoption of a more cautious approach including moderate
stocking densities and good management practices has helped in the revival of the sector and in

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sustaining shrimp production of the country. Furthermore, with the recent introduction of Penaeus
vannamei, the shrimp culture is again regaining its glory of export earner at large.

Mariculture
The status of mariculture is still low key, involving only a few shellfish species such as green
mussel (Perna viridis) and Indian brown mussel (P. indica) using raft or long line culture methods;
Indian backwater oyster (Crassostrea madrasensis) using rack and ren, and the rack and tray
method; and the farming of Japanese pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata) by raft culture.

 PRODUCTION

Fish production reached an estimated level of 11.6 million tonnes in 2017. In that year, the
estimated production for capture fisheries was of almost 5.4 million tonnes (3.8 million tonnes
from marine and 1.6 million tonnes from inland water). In 2017 the estimated number of fishing
vessels was 193 587, with just over 50 000 not powered. Aquaculture has long been a major fish
producing subsector with the production of 6.2 million tonnes of food fish in 2017, the second
highest-level following China. About 88 percent of farmed fish comes from inland aquaculture,
and carps and other freshwater fishes account for the bulk of aquaculture production. India’s
marine fisheries production reached a plateau as most major stocks are fully exploited. At best,
only a marginal increase can be realized through exploitation of deep-sea resources. Strenuous
efforts are needed at federal and state levels to upgrade the country’s capacity to manage its marine
fisheries. Unregulated access to these fisheries resulted in significant overcapacity, especially of
medium and small trawlers that compete over dwindling fishery resources with mostly
impoverished small-scale fishers.

 MARKET ANALYSIS

During 2012–2013, marine products exports reached an all-time high of Rs 18 856 crores (1 INR =
0.016 US$). Marine product exports, crossed all previous records in quantity, rupee value and US$
terms. Exports aggregated to 928 215 tonnes valued at Rs. 18 856.26 crores and USD 3 511.67
million. Compared to the previous year, seafood exports recorded a growth of 7.68 percent in
quantity, 13.61 percent in rupee and 0.1 percent growth in US$ earnings, respectively. During
2012–2013, frozen shrimp from culture sector continued to be the major export value item
accounting a share of 51.35 percent of the total US$ earnings. Shrimp exports during the period
increased by 20.88 percent, 18.73 percent and 3.56 percent in quantity, rupee value and US$ value,
respectively. There was a steep drop in unit value realization of frozen shrimp at 14.33 percent.
Fish, has retained its prime position as the principal export item in quantity terms and the second

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largest export item in value terms, accounted for a share of about 37.05 percent in quantity and
17.59 percent in US$ earnings. Unit value realization of fish decreased by 8.79 percent. Chilled
items have shown a positive growth in quantity (26.27 percent), rupee value (50.27 percent) and
US$ (34.91 percent). The unit value realization also increased by 6.84 percent.

GOVERNMENT EFFORTS

India is a federal republic, subdivided into 28 states and six union territories. According to the
Constitution, the state legislatures have the power to make laws and regulations with respect to a
number of subject-matters, including water (i.e. water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and
embankments, water storage and water power), land (i.e. rights in or over land, land tenure,
transfer and alienation of agricultural land), fisheries, as well as the preservation, protection and
improvement of stock and the prevention of animal disease. Although there are many laws and
regulations that may be relevant to aquaculture adopted at state level, this overview only addresses
those laws and regulations adopted by the central government. At the central level, several key
laws and regulations may be relevant to aquaculture. They include the century-old Indian Fisheries
Act (1897) , which penalizes the killing of fish by poisoning water and by using explosives, and
the Environment (Protection) Act (1986) , being an umbrella act containing provisions for all
environment related issues. They also include the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
(1974) and the Wild Life Protection Act (1972) . Essentially all this legislation must be read in
conjunction with one another to gain a full picture of the rules that are applicable to aquaculture.
On 11 December 1996, the Indian Supreme Court handed out an historic decision with major
implications for the aquaculture sector in a case regarding the setting up of shrimp farms in coastal
areas. The Supreme Court – among other things – prohibited the construction/set up of shrimp
culture ponds within the Coastal Regulation Zone and within 1000 meters of Chilka Lake and
Pulika Lake, except traditional and improved traditional types of ponds. It also ruled that an
authority should be constituted to protect the ecologically fragile coastal areas, sea shore, water
front and other coastal areas and specially to deal with the situation created by the shrimp culture
industry in the coastal states/union territories.

RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND TRAINING

ICAR, the nodal agency for agricultural research in India, has eight fisheries research institutes of
which three are mainly responsible for research into aquaculture, these are CIFA, located in
Bhubaneswar, on freshwater aquaculture; CIBA, in Chennai, on brackish water aquaculture and
CMFRI, in Kochi, on mariculture. Furthermore, the National Research Centre for Coldwater
Fisheries in Bhimtal is concerned with cold water fisheries and aquaculture. These institutes are
given specific mandates to formulate research programmes depending on national priorities; their

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regional centres located in different agro-ecological regions also undertake research on problems of
regional importance. While the research programmes are set depending on national priority and
regional necessity, farmers' feedback is also given due emphasis. In addition, recommendations
drawn from national level meetings, seminars and workshops help in prioritizing these research
programmes. Each of the institutions also has several other mechanisms to prioritize research and
evaluation through the Research Advisory Committee and Quinquennial Review Team constituted
by ICAR. The Scientific Audit Teams, audit the research programmes and in addition, the Social
Audit Team, headed by Members of Parliament, also evaluates the impact of the institutes on the
society as a whole. The fisheries colleges within the different State Agriculture Universities, as
well as other universities and organizations also undertake aquaculture research.

ADVANTAGES OF AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES

Economic Benefits

1. Alternative Food Source

Alternative Fuel Source
2. Algae are slowly being developed into alternative fuel sources by having them produce fuels
that can replace contemporary fossil fuels. Algae produce lipids that, if harvested, can be
burned as an alternative fuel source whose only by-products would be water when burnt.
3. Increase Jobs in the Market
Aquaculture increases the number of possible jobs in the market. It provides both new products
for a market and creates job opportunities as labor is required to maintain the pools and harvest
the organisms grown.
4. Reduce Sea Food Trade Deficit
The seafood trade in America is mainly based on trade from Asia and Europe, with most of it
being imported. The resultant balance places a trade deficit on the nation. Aquaculture would
provide a means for the reduction of this deficit at a lower opportunity cost as local production
would mean that the seafood would be fresher. It would also be cheaper due to reduced
transport costs.

Environmental Benefits

1. Creates a Barrier Against Pollution With Mollusc and Seaweed

Molluscs are filter feeders, while seaweed acts a lot like the grass of the sea. Both these organisms
sift the water that flows through them as brought in by the current and clean the water. This
provides a buffer region that protects the rest of the sea from pollution from the land, specifically
from activities that disturb the sea bed and raise dust.

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2. Reduces Fishing Pressure on Wild Stock

The practice of aquaculture allows for alternative sources of food instead of fishing the same
species in their natural habitats. Population numbers of some wild stocks of some species are in
danger of being depleted due to overfishing and uncontrolled exploitation. The use of
unsustainable fishing methods such as bottom trawlers is also reduced.

3. Low Environmental Impact

Fish and shellfish can also be farmed using methods that do not harm the environment, and that
helps meets the growing demand for seafood by supplementing wild harvests. Especially for
offshore systems, the bio-security systems, cameras and surveillance infrastructure, as well as
trained inspectors, ensure that farms are complying with environmentally safe practices. This helps
to reduce diseases transfer in the waters and so on.

4. Water Usage

Aquaculture systems often take advantage of harvested runoffs, stormwater and surface water. This
reduces the dependency on other sources of water supply. In addition to this, ponds maintain soil
moisture in their vicinity, thereby conserving natural resources.

DISADVANTAGES OF AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES

1. Aquaculture uses a lot of Shared Resources.

While aquafarms protect the marine environments where they’re located, they can also indirectly
harm a local area. Aquafarm utilizes a lot of resources from surrounding environments. This
sometimes creates a problem with the local ecosystem. The reason is that some aquafarms are so
dominant that they suck up many natural resources within an area. This is why they can sometimes
indirectly do damage to the habitats where they’re located. Aquafarm managers must make sure
that they are properly using the resources from a local habitat. Unfortunately, some aquaculture
outfits have not wisely or responsibly used natural resources in the right way.

2. Aquaculture has the Ability to Eliminate Certain Fish Species.

While aquaculture helps different fish species thrive, it can also wipe out different breeds of marine
life. Fisheries normally raise selected types of fish for consumption. Some of these fishes are not
consumed and released into the wild. When the released fish mate with the wildlife, a new breed of
fish is created. The fish species released from the aquafarm would then start to die off their
offspring would be a new breed

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3. Aquaculture Diseases on Fisheries and Natural Habitats.

One of the most important things that marine scientists must-do for fisheries is to monitor the
environment for disease. Various diseases have the ability to wipe out whole fishing populations
within an aquafarm. Also, diseases that happen within fisheries have the potential to destroy the
surrounding wildlife. A new disease introduced into any environment will cause a dramatic loss of
life. This is one reason why fisheries had to closely monitor their habitats when the coronavirus
pandemic covered the nation. They have to make sure that no diseases from their stocked fish, the
surrounding environment, or one that passes through the air; can destroy the fish.

4. Aquaculture is a Risky Venture.

The aquaculture industry is a risky undertaking. The reason why it’s so risky has to do with
uncontrollable factors. Many fisheries had to end because of prolonged severe weather, illegal
hunting and fishing, and disease. Aquaculture managers that mismanage fisheries are also
responsible for bringing some of these ventures to an end. Believe it or not, some fisheries raid
other aquafarms to steal their fishing stock. This type of thing happens more often than you would
believe. Also, the competition is very fierce within the aquaculture industry. There are many
aquafarm businesses within some marine locations, that it is almost impossible for any of them to
make a decent profit. Some fisheries had to close their operations because they were barely
breaking even. After all, the competition was so fierce. Aquafarms must also prove that they are
working within the state’s local laws, guidelines, and regulations. If not, they won’t be in business
for long.

5. Water Contamination can be a Huge Problem for many Aquafarms.

Water contamination can cause a huge problem for aquafarms. The reason being is that fish is a lot
messier than they appear. Fish tend to eliminate a lot of waste material. Thousands of them can
produce a lot of waste products into the environment. These waste materials have the potential to
contaminate the surrounding environment. Also, the aquafarming process creates extra waste
within a habitat.

6. Aquafarm Workers Risks their Health.

Aquafarming also creates conditions where workers can risk their health. There are diseases within
aquafarming outfits that have been known to affect the health of employees seriously. Weil’s
disease happens to some workers when they handle fish feed. Rats and other rodents are also a
problem for fisheries. No matter how clean and well maintained an aquafarm, it can still deal with
a rat infestation. Rats and other rodents are known carriers of disease, which has been an issue for

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workers. Workers also have to be mindful of drowning, machinery accidents, and dealing with
illegal hunters and fishers. A more detailed look at the risks can be found in this article, “Potential
hazards and risks associated with the aquaculture industry.”

7. The Use of Drugs within the Aquaculture Process.

CONCLUSION

Throughout the developing world, the fisheries sector provides the basis for the livelihoods and
nutrition of millions of people, and constitutes a significant source of foreign exchange for many
developing economies. Despite its considerable contributions to development, however, it is often
not seen as a priority sector by policy makers or donor agencies, and activities such as aquaculture
are frequently seen as relatively low-priority for the allocation of scarce resources such as water.
This lack of attention to the sector is particularly problematic given that capture fisheries are
currently being fished at capacity, and that further increases in production will have to come from
Particularly in Asia, as access to land is less of a constraint in much of sub-Saharan Africa..
International Food Policy Research Center, Washington DC and World Fish Center, Penang,
Malaysia. World Fish Center, Penang, Malaysia. expansion of aquaculture. There is, therefore, an
important role for developing country governments to play, both in managing capture fisheries to
prevent further stock depletion, and in regulating the development of aquaculture to ensure that it is
both environmentally sustainable and pro-poor. Under such conditions, fisheries and aquaculture
can realize their potential as an important and growing source of economic development in rural
areas.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Finegold, C., 2009. The importance of fisheries and aquaculture to development. The Royal
Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry.
 https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/fishery.htm
 http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/naso_india/en
 Day, F.F.F., 2014. Fisheries and Aquaculture.
 Marine Fisheries | Department of Fisheries, GoI (dof.gov.in)
 http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/IND/en
 DADF-Fisheries Division 3.pdf (dahd.nic.in)

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  Pillai, N. G. K., and Pradeep K. Katiha. Evolution of fisheries and aquaculture in India.
CMFRI, 2004.
 Jayasankar, P., 2018. Present status of freshwater aquaculture in India-A review. Indian
Journal of Fisheries, 65(4), pp.157-165.

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