Marine fisheries Marine fisheries resource of Indiaresource of India

Sameer G ChebbiSameer G ChebbiDept. of ZoologyDept. of Zoology

Industrial Fish and FisheriesIndustrial Fish and FisheriesKarnatak Science College, Karnatak Science College,

DharwadDharwad

With the long coast line along the With the long coast line along the mainland mainland

Itself besides the rich areas Itself besides the rich areas surrounding the Andaman Nicobar surrounding the Andaman Nicobar Islands and the Laccadive islands. Islands and the Laccadive islands.

with the fairly wide continental shelf with the fairly wide continental shelf and slope and with the expansive and slope and with the expansive high seas extending beyond, India high seas extending beyond, India has rich marine fishery resources, has rich marine fishery resources, chiefly constituted by varied species chiefly constituted by varied species of fishes and crustaceans. of fishes and crustaceans.

There are also ample ancillary resources There are also ample ancillary resources like the utilizable molluscs, corals, like the utilizable molluscs, corals, sponges, echinoderms and seaweeds. sponges, echinoderms and seaweeds.

The marine fish production of India is The marine fish production of India is about 40 per cent of the total of slightly about 40 per cent of the total of slightly over 4 million metric tons, coming from over 4 million metric tons, coming from all the countries bordering the Indian all the countries bordering the Indian Ocean.Ocean.

Marine Fisheries resources of our Marine Fisheries resources of our country, being dynamic and self country, being dynamic and self renewing in nature, are subject to renewing in nature, are subject to fluctuations due to fishery-dependent fluctuations due to fishery-dependent and fishery-independent factors. and fishery-independent factors.

Vital information on the potential Vital information on the potential resources of the country is an resources of the country is an essential prerequisite for proper essential prerequisite for proper planning of development strategies planning of development strategies with regard to the marine fisheries with regard to the marine fisheries sector.sector.

With the declaration of the Exclusive With the declaration of the Exclusive Economic Zone, a vast area of 2.02 Economic Zone, a vast area of 2.02 million sq km, having rich marine million sq km, having rich marine fishery resources, is thrown open for fishery resources, is thrown open for rational exploitation, offering scope for rational exploitation, offering scope for increasing production.increasing production.

ResourcesResources   Coastline8129 kms Coastline8129 kms  Exclusive Economic Zone2.02 million sq. Exclusive Economic Zone2.02 million sq.

km km  Continental Shelf0.506 million sq. km Continental Shelf0.506 million sq. km  Rivers and Canals1,97,024 km Rivers and Canals1,97,024 km  Reservoirs3.15 million ha Reservoirs3.15 million ha  Ponds and Tanks2.35 million haPonds and Tanks2.35 million ha lakes and derelict waters1.3 million ha lakes and derelict waters1.3 million ha  Brackishwaters1.24 million Brackishwaters1.24 million

ha Estuaries0.29 million haha Estuaries0.29 million ha

Some FactsSome Facts  Present fish Production6.4 mmtPresent fish Production6.4 mmt  Inland3.4 mmt Inland3.4 mmt Marine3.0 mmt Marine3.0 mmt Potential fish production8.4 mmt Potential fish production8.4 mmt Fish seed production21,000 million Fish seed production21,000 million

fry fry Hatcheries1,070 Hatcheries1,070 

Indian FisheriesIndian Fisheries  Global position 3rd in FisheriesGlobal position 3rd in Fisheries 2nd in Aquaculture 2nd in Aquaculture Contribution of Fisheries to GDP Contribution of Fisheries to GDP

(%)1.07 Contribution to Agril. GDP (%)1.07 Contribution to Agril. GDP (%)5.30 (%)5.30 

Per capita fish availability (Kg.)9.0 Per capita fish availability (Kg.)9.0 Annual Export earnings (Rs. In Annual Export earnings (Rs. In

Crore)7,200 Crore)7,200 Employment in sector (million)14.0Employment in sector (million)14.0

There are a total of about 21,585 There are a total of about 21,585 existing species of fishes, out of which existing species of fishes, out of which 41.2% inhabit the freshwater and the 41.2% inhabit the freshwater and the remaining are marine water.remaining are marine water.

The fisheries sector plays an important The fisheries sector plays an important role in Indian economy contributing role in Indian economy contributing about 1% to the Gross Domestic Product about 1% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). (GDP).

The marine fish production in the The marine fish production in the country gradually increased from mere country gradually increased from mere 5.8 lakh t in 1950 to 3.32 million t in 5.8 lakh t in 1950 to 3.32 million t in 2010, registering about six fold increase.2010, registering about six fold increase.

Export earnings from marine sector Export earnings from marine sector increased from Rs. 3.92 crores in 1961-increased from Rs. 3.92 crores in 1961-62 to Rs. 12,901.47 crores in 2010-11 62 to Rs. 12,901.47 crores in 2010-11 registering 11.8% growth during 2009-registering 11.8% growth during 2009-10.10.

The gross revenue from the marine fish The gross revenue from the marine fish landings during 2009-10 in terms of landings during 2009-10 in terms of landing centre price was estimated as landing centre price was estimated as Rs.19,753 crores (CMFRI, 2011). Rs.19,753 crores (CMFRI, 2011).

The total fisherfolk population of the The total fisherfolk population of the country is 3.52 million having 0.72 country is 3.52 million having 0.72 million active fishermen (CMFRI, 2005). million active fishermen (CMFRI, 2005).

There are about 2,39,000 fishing crafts There are about 2,39,000 fishing crafts engaged in marine capture fisheries, of which engaged in marine capture fisheries, of which 59,000 are mechanized crafts, 76,000 59,000 are mechanized crafts, 76,000 motorized and the rest non-mechanized. motorized and the rest non-mechanized.

In mechanized sector, there are about 29,000 In mechanized sector, there are about 29,000 trawlers. Though fishing is concentrated trawlers. Though fishing is concentrated mainly in the depth zone up to 100 m, deep mainly in the depth zone up to 100 m, deep sea trawlers operate up to 400 m depth zone.sea trawlers operate up to 400 m depth zone.

The multi-gear capture fisheries of India The multi-gear capture fisheries of India estimated provisionally at 3.07 million during estimated provisionally at 3.07 million during the year 2010 showed a decrease of about the year 2010 showed a decrease of about 1.31 lakh tonnes compared to 2009. 1.31 lakh tonnes compared to 2009.

The west coast accounted for 55% of The west coast accounted for 55% of the total landings and east coast 45%.the total landings and east coast 45%.

The pelagic finfishes constituted 55%, The pelagic finfishes constituted 55%, demersal 26%, crustaceans 14% and demersal 26%, crustaceans 14% and molluscs 5% of the total landings.molluscs 5% of the total landings.

The mechanized sector contributed The mechanized sector contributed 73%, motorized 25% and artisanal 2% 73%, motorized 25% and artisanal 2% of the catch. of the catch.

The west coast accounted for 55% and The west coast accounted for 55% and east coast 45% of the total landings.east coast 45% of the total landings.

Oil sardine (Oil sardine (Sardinella longicepsSardinella longiceps) remained ) remained as the most important single species as the most important single species contributing 13.1% to the total marine fish contributing 13.1% to the total marine fish landings in the country. landings in the country.

The estimated landings of oil sardine for The estimated landings of oil sardine for 2010 is 4,03,932 tonnes against 4,14,767 2010 is 4,03,932 tonnes against 4,14,767 tonnes in 2009. tonnes in 2009.

The second important resource in terms of The second important resource in terms of contribution towards total landings is contribution towards total landings is Indian mackerel (Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurtaRastrelliger kanagurta) ) accounting for 7.9% of total landings, the accounting for 7.9% of total landings, the estimate for 2010 being 2,43,154 tonnes estimate for 2010 being 2,43,154 tonnes compared to 1,85,932 tonnes in 2009. compared to 1,85,932 tonnes in 2009.

The estimated landings of other important The estimated landings of other important resources are penaeid prawns 2,17,858 resources are penaeid prawns 2,17,858 tonnes (7.1%), croakers 1,66,967 tonnes tonnes (7.1%), croakers 1,66,967 tonnes (5.4%), cephalopods 1,66,886 tonnes (5.4%), cephalopods 1,66,886 tonnes (5.4%), ribbonfishes 1,50,166 tonnes (4.9%), (5.4%), ribbonfishes 1,50,166 tonnes (4.9%), non-penaeid prawns 1,28,876 tonnes (4.2%), non-penaeid prawns 1,28,876 tonnes (4.2%), threadfin breams 1,24,248 tonnes (4.0%), threadfin breams 1,24,248 tonnes (4.0%), lesser sardines 1,03,059 tonnes (3.4%) and lesser sardines 1,03,059 tonnes (3.4%) and Bombayduck 94,942 tonnes (3.1%).Bombayduck 94,942 tonnes (3.1%).

The other important resources were penaeid The other important resources were penaeid prawns (2,17,858 t; 7.1%), croakers prawns (2,17,858 t; 7.1%), croakers (1,66,967 t; 5.4%), cephalopods (1,66,886 t; (1,66,967 t; 5.4%), cephalopods (1,66,886 t; 5.4%) 5.4%) etcetc..

The estimate of region-wise production The estimate of region-wise production showed that the north-east region, showed that the north-east region, comprising West Bengal and Orissa comprising West Bengal and Orissa contributed 18% to the total production. contributed 18% to the total production.

The south-east region consisting of The south-east region consisting of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry contributed 27%. Puducherry contributed 27%.

On the west coast, the northwest region On the west coast, the northwest region comprising Maharashtra and Gujarat comprising Maharashtra and Gujarat recorded 24% of the total landings, and recorded 24% of the total landings, and

The south-west region comprising The south-west region comprising Kerala, Karnataka and Goa contributed Kerala, Karnataka and Goa contributed 31%.31%.

The marine fish landings along the Kerala The marine fish landings along the Kerala coast were 5,30,078 t during 2010 which coast were 5,30,078 t during 2010 which was 2.39 % more than 2009. Tunas formed was 2.39 % more than 2009. Tunas formed 81.3 % (7,883 t) of the total catch in 81.3 % (7,883 t) of the total catch in Lakshadweep though declined by 4.6% in Lakshadweep though declined by 4.6% in 2009. 2009.

Karnataka recorded an all time high of Karnataka recorded an all time high of 3,32,311 t marine fish landing during 2010. 3,32,311 t marine fish landing during 2010. Increase in the landings of molluscs Increase in the landings of molluscs especially cephalopods (118%) and pelagics especially cephalopods (118%) and pelagics (ribbonfish (73.7%), carangids (51.1%) and (ribbonfish (73.7%), carangids (51.1%) and mackerel (41.8%)) as compared to the mackerel (41.8%)) as compared to the previous year led to this overall increase. previous year led to this overall increase.

The marine fish production in Goa showed The marine fish production in Goa showed 25.3% increase (89,451 t) during 2010. 25.3% increase (89,451 t) during 2010.

The marine fish landings in Maharashtra The marine fish landings in Maharashtra during 2010 was estimated during 2010 was estimated provisionally at 2.25 lakh t, with a provisionally at 2.25 lakh t, with a decline of 29% over the previous year decline of 29% over the previous year and that in Gujarat at 5.06 lakh t with a and that in Gujarat at 5.06 lakh t with a marginal reduction of 0.3%.marginal reduction of 0.3%.

In Tamil Nadu the catch was 5.55 lakhs In Tamil Nadu the catch was 5.55 lakhs t and Puducherry 14,525 t. The total t and Puducherry 14,525 t. The total marine fish production of Andhra marine fish production of Andhra Pradesh for 2010 was 2.53 lakh t with a Pradesh for 2010 was 2.53 lakh t with a slight reduction of only 0.5% from that slight reduction of only 0.5% from that in 2009. in 2009.

West Bengal and Orissa contributed West Bengal and Orissa contributed 18% to the total production of the 18% to the total production of the north east region.north east region.

The landing of low value bycatch and The landing of low value bycatch and discards from trawl fisheries was discards from trawl fisheries was monitored at Veraval, Mumbai, Karwar, monitored at Veraval, Mumbai, Karwar, Mangalore, Calicut, Cochin, Tuticorin, Mangalore, Calicut, Cochin, Tuticorin, Mandapam, Chennai and Mandapam, Chennai and Visakhapatnam. An estimated 3.83 Visakhapatnam. An estimated 3.83 lakh t of bycatch valued at Rs.192 lakh t of bycatch valued at Rs.192 crores was landed which formed 27.8 crores was landed which formed 27.8 % of the total trawl catch, an increase % of the total trawl catch, an increase of 24% over the previous year.of 24% over the previous year.

ClupeidsClupeidsClupeids represent an important Clupeids represent an important

group of pelagic food fishes group of pelagic food fishes comprising oilsardine (comprising oilsardine (Sardinella Sardinella longicepslongiceps), lesser sardines ), lesser sardines ((Sardinella albellaSardinella albella, , Sardinella Sardinella gibbosagibbosa, , Sardinella fimbriata Sardinella fimbriata and and Sardinella sirmSardinella sirm), white baits ), white baits ((Stolephorus Stolephorus spp.spp., Enchrasicholina , Enchrasicholina spp.) and anchovies (spp.) and anchovies (Thryssa Thryssa spp., spp., Setipinna Setipinna spp. and spp. and Coilia Coilia spp.). spp.).

Surrounded by sea on three sides of the mainland, India has vast potentials in terms of marine living, and nonliving resources.

For ages India has been exploiting her seas, particularly by fishing, which has since been the traditional occupation of the country's coastal fishermen community Exports of marine products are not new to this country.

Exports of pearl to countries such as through the Gulf to the ancient Roman Empire are well documented in Indian history.

There has been a well-established dried- and cured-fish trade with neighbouring countries since olden days. However, fishing as an industry did progress and is enough to contribute to the national wealth.

The search for cheap protein and the advent of The search for cheap protein and the advent of independence have paved the way for independence have paved the way for progressive onward march of this occupation, progressive onward march of this occupation, resulting in increased marine fish landings and, resulting in increased marine fish landings and, subsequently, in more export earnings. subsequently, in more export earnings.

Land areas being limited, their yielding capacity Land areas being limited, their yielding capacity may not be able to be increased on a par with the may not be able to be increased on a par with the growing food demands of billion over the globe. growing food demands of billion over the globe. Hence all the maritime countries pay more and Hence all the maritime countries pay more and more attention to the vast seas to meet the more attention to the vast seas to meet the demands, and India is no exception.demands, and India is no exception.

To make this vision a reality, it is thus evident To make this vision a reality, it is thus evident that concerted efforts need to be taken by the that concerted efforts need to be taken by the developmental agencies to plan and execute developmental agencies to plan and execute crash programmes, especially on the culture and crash programmes, especially on the culture and offshore capture sides, which only would augment offshore capture sides, which only would augment fish production, meeting the nutritional demand fish production, meeting the nutritional demand and generating employment opperiunities, and, and generating employment opperiunities, and, finally contributing substantially to the nation's a finally contributing substantially to the nation's a economy.economy.

Clupeids formed more than 20% of marine Clupeids formed more than 20% of marine fish landings in India (38%). The decadal fish landings in India (38%). The decadal average landings of clupeids increased from average landings of clupeids increased from 1,73,299 t in 1950-60 to 7,39,135 t during 1,73,299 t in 1950-60 to 7,39,135 t during 2001-10. 2001-10.

The maximum landings of clupeids (9,29,404 The maximum landings of clupeids (9,29,404 t) was recorded in 2010 and the average t) was recorded in 2010 and the average landings during 2008-10 was 8,77,576 t landings during 2008-10 was 8,77,576 t which is 94.42% of the maximum landings. which is 94.42% of the maximum landings. Hence clupeids can be included under the Hence clupeids can be included under the class ‘abundant’ with respect to its status of class ‘abundant’ with respect to its status of exploitation. Percentage growth in landings exploitation. Percentage growth in landings of clupeids was high during 1961-70 and of clupeids was high during 1961-70 and 2001-10.2001-10.

Mackerels Fishery of mackerels is supported by three

species, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Rastrelliger brachysoma and Rastrelliger faughni with major contribution by the Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta).

During 2008-10, the average annual landings of Indian mackerel in the country was 2,04,077 t which accounted for 6.3% of the total landings.

The decadal average of mackerel landings increased from 74,405 t during 1950-60 to 1,70,468 t during 1991-2000 and then reduced to 1,50,063 t during 2001-10.

BRACKISHWATER RESOURCES BRACKISHWATER RESOURCES IN INDIA IN INDIA

Sameer G ChebbiSameer G Chebbi

The significance of the country's The significance of the country's extensive brackish water ecological extensive brackish water ecological system, consisting of the various system, consisting of the various swamps, inland bays, lagoons, lakes, swamps, inland bays, lagoons, lakes, backwaters and estuaries along the backwaters and estuaries along the entire coastline of India. entire coastline of India.

The brackish waters are areas of The brackish waters are areas of confluence of fresh water and sea confluence of fresh water and sea water and the salinity ranges from 5 water and the salinity ranges from 5 to 27 ppt. to 27 ppt.

The Brackish water aquaculture is The Brackish water aquaculture is also known as Coastal Aqua culture. also known as Coastal Aqua culture.

Owing to the high productivity and Owing to the high productivity and extremely favourable physical and extremely favourable physical and biological conditions for growth and biological conditions for growth and propagation the animals associated propagation the animals associated with these brackish water with these brackish water environments are rich and varied. environments are rich and varied.

In addition to the permanent In addition to the permanent inhabitants of the area many fishes inhabitants of the area many fishes and invertebrates of marine origin and invertebrates of marine origin including the commercial prawns including the commercial prawns temporarily utilise this biotic niche temporarily utilise this biotic niche for completing their life-cycle. for completing their life-cycle.

Thus the estuaries and backwaters Thus the estuaries and backwaters play a dynamic role in influencing the play a dynamic role in influencing the overall marine fish and shell fish overall marine fish and shell fish production. production.

Brackishwater Aquaculture has been Brackishwater Aquaculture has been identified as India’s one of the high identified as India’s one of the high potential area for increasing fish and potential area for increasing fish and shell fish production and also to shell fish production and also to achieve maximum economic and social achieve maximum economic and social benefits. benefits.

The growth of brackishwater The growth of brackishwater aquaculture is phenomenal. aquaculture is phenomenal.

There are about 3.9 million ha of There are about 3.9 million ha of estuaries and 3.5 million ha of estuaries and 3.5 million ha of brackishwater areas available in the brackishwater areas available in the country. country.

It is estimated that about 1.2 million It is estimated that about 1.2 million ha coastal area suitable for ha coastal area suitable for development of brackishwater development of brackishwater aquaculture is available. In addition aquaculture is available. In addition to this, around 8.5to this, around 8.5 million ha salt million ha salt affected areas are available in the affected areas are available in the country. country.

Out of this, about 2.6 million ha area Out of this, about 2.6 million ha area which are unsuitable or marginally which are unsuitable or marginally suitable for agriculture can be utilized suitable for agriculture can be utilized for, brackishwater aquaculture. for, brackishwater aquaculture.

The coastal mangrove areas is The coastal mangrove areas is estimated around 2.5 million ha. Out estimated around 2.5 million ha. Out of 1.2 million ha potential area of 1.2 million ha potential area available for brackishwater farming, available for brackishwater farming, around 1, 94,010 ha were under around 1, 94,010 ha were under culture.culture.

These brackishwater are highly These brackishwater are highly productive areas, but most of them productive areas, but most of them are unused. are unused.

Culture fisheries resources of Culture fisheries resources of brackishwater sector in India surpass brackishwater sector in India surpass in magnitude those pertaining to in magnitude those pertaining to freshwater ponds. However, in freshwater ponds. However, in comparison to freshwater sector, comparison to freshwater sector, production in brackishwater fish production in brackishwater fish ponds is comparatively low. ponds is comparatively low.

Prawns have been cultured Prawns have been cultured traditionally in different types of traditionally in different types of farms in India. farms in India.

These are Pokkali fields, perennial These are Pokkali fields, perennial fields of Kerala, Bheris of fields of Kerala, Bheris of Sunderbans, salt pan farms and Sunderbans, salt pan farms and coconut grove farms. coconut grove farms.

Most of the brackish water system in Most of the brackish water system in the country are sources of fish and the country are sources of fish and prawn seed, as they form nursery prawn seed, as they form nursery areas for the commercially important areas for the commercially important species which breed in the sea. species which breed in the sea.

The brackish water fish such as The brackish water fish such as Mullet and other fishes were cultured Mullet and other fishes were cultured off the Italian coast by Romans long off the Italian coast by Romans long ago. ago.

Later culture of Mullets, Lates, Milk Later culture of Mullets, Lates, Milk fish and Shrimp were tried in the fish and Shrimp were tried in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Estuaries, Back Andhra Pradesh. Estuaries, Back waters, Creeks and Lagoons are the waters, Creeks and Lagoons are the main non-stagnant Brackish waters. main non-stagnant Brackish waters.

In these waters fishes and the seed In these waters fishes and the seed of Milk fish (Chanos), Mullet (Mugil of Milk fish (Chanos), Mullet (Mugil cephalus). Elops, Megalops cephalus). Elops, Megalops Polynemus, Lates. Etroplus, Tilapla, Polynemus, Lates. Etroplus, Tilapla, Shrimp are available. Shrimp are available.

These flowing waters are useful for These flowing waters are useful for collection of fish seed or prawn collection of fish seed or prawn larvae for growing in brackish water larvae for growing in brackish water fish ponds. fish ponds.

Directly the fish cultures in these Directly the fish cultures in these waters are not be possible, but under waters are not be possible, but under favourable conditions the culture in a favourable conditions the culture in a cages or pens may be tried. cages or pens may be tried.

Now the collection of Prawn larvae Now the collection of Prawn larvae and selling is going on in these and selling is going on in these waters. waters.

Cultural practices can be taken up in Cultural practices can be taken up in these ponds with controlled these ponds with controlled conditions of water management and conditions of water management and culture methods. culture methods.

The mullet, milkfish and to some extent The mullet, milkfish and to some extent prawns are only non-predators. The rest prawns are only non-predators. The rest are predators and also cannibalistic are predators and also cannibalistic fishes. Hence the production got effected.fishes. Hence the production got effected.

At certain places the Milk fish and Mullet At certain places the Milk fish and Mullet fish seed stocking was also taken up.fish seed stocking was also taken up.

Thus, fish production from brackishwater Thus, fish production from brackishwater alone would be about equal to the total alone would be about equal to the total fish, production of India, which at present fish, production of India, which at present ranges between 1.90 and 2.5 million ranges between 1.90 and 2.5 million tonnes. tonnes.

However in brackishwater fish culture a However in brackishwater fish culture a maximum to about 2.5 t/ha Yr has been maximum to about 2.5 t/ha Yr has been achieved against an average of 450 kg/ha. achieved against an average of 450 kg/ha. The brackishwater of immediate concern The brackishwater of immediate concern for fish cultural purposes are estuarine for fish cultural purposes are estuarine basins, backwaters, tidal creeks, basins, backwaters, tidal creeks, brackishwater lakes, and, coastal lagoons. brackishwater lakes, and, coastal lagoons.

Most of the brackishwater systems in our Most of the brackishwater systems in our country are characterized by a strong country are characterized by a strong monsoon rainfall regime that follows monsoon rainfall regime that follows freshwater discharge during a limited freshwater discharge during a limited period of the year although, the intensity period of the year although, the intensity of this influence tends to decrease from of this influence tends to decrease from north to south. north to south.

Brackishwater Resources of IndiaBrackishwater Resources of India        a. Estuariesa. Estuaries    b. Coast Line    b. Coast Line    c. Backwater    c. Backwater    d. Mangroves    d. Mangroves    e. Lagoons    e. Lagoons      

StatesStates Total B\W area (ha)Total B\W area (ha) Area under culture (ha)Area under culture (ha) Production live weight (t)Production live weight (t)

Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh 1,50,0001,50,000 66,20066,200 34,07534,075

GoaGoa 18,50018,500 650650 500500

GujaratGujarat 3,76,0003,76,000 997997 235235

KarnatakaKarnataka 8,0008,000 3,5403,540 2,6402,640

KeralaKerala 65,00065,000 14,59514,595 7,2907,290

MaharashtraMaharashtra 80,00080,000 970970 700700

OrissaOrissa 31,60031,600 11,33211,332 5,0005,000

PondicherryPondicherry 800800 2222 2020

Tamil NaduTamil Nadu 56,00056,000 670670 1,1971,197

West BengalWest Bengal 4,05,0004,05,000 42,52542,525 15,12115,121

TotalTotal 11,90,90011,90,900 1,415011,41501 66,77866,778

State-wise details in brackishwater area availableState-wise details in brackishwater area available under  under culture culture and production for the year and production for the year 20022002

Source    :       Hand Book on Fisheries Statistics, 2002, Fisheries Division Department of Agriculture & Cooperation,

Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. 

FISH AND ITS SEED RESOURCESFISH AND ITS SEED RESOURCESMilk fish, Milk fish, Chanos chanos Chanos chanos fry is available fry is available

abundantly on the east coast of India abundantly on the east coast of India from Northern Andhra Pradesh coast to from Northern Andhra Pradesh coast to Tanjore, Ramnad and Terunelveli in Tanjore, Ramnad and Terunelveli in Tamilnadu. Tamilnadu.

The seed is also obtained abundantly on The seed is also obtained abundantly on the west coast in Malabar of Kerala and the west coast in Malabar of Kerala and South Kanara in Karnataka. South Kanara in Karnataka.

Pamban in Tamilnadu is the most Pamban in Tamilnadu is the most important milk fish fry collection centre. important milk fish fry collection centre.

The milk fish fry is available during The milk fish fry is available during April to June in maximum amount April to June in maximum amount and occasionally during October to and occasionally during October to December in few centres. December in few centres.

The milk fish fry is found The milk fish fry is found continuously from February to continuously from February to October, with the peak in abundance October, with the peak in abundance in April and September in Pulicat in April and September in Pulicat lake. lake.

Gray mullet, Gray mullet, Mugil cephalus Mugil cephalus fry is fry is available during January, March to May available during January, March to May and December, with peak in March in the and December, with peak in March in the Mahanadi estuary. Mahanadi estuary.

These are abundant during November These are abundant during November and December on Andhra Pradesh coast. and December on Andhra Pradesh coast. The fry is available from January to March The fry is available from January to March in the Markanam estuary in Tamilnadu. in the Markanam estuary in Tamilnadu.

These are also available during These are also available during November and December and late November and December and late January January near the mouth of Chilka lake, near the mouth of Chilka lake, and, during January to June and and, during January to June and September in the Pulicat lake. September in the Pulicat lake.

In the Hoogly-Matlah estuary system in West In the Hoogly-Matlah estuary system in West Bengal, the fry of Bengal, the fry of Mugil parsia Mugil parsia is available from is available from December to June and during January, and June to December to June and during January, and June to September on the Maharashtra coast. September on the Maharashtra coast.

The fry is also reported in Andhra Pradesh coast. The fry is also reported in Andhra Pradesh coast. The fry of The fry of Mugil tade Mugil tade is found during June to is found during June to September, with a peak in July from Hoogly- September, with a peak in July from Hoogly- Matlah estuary. Matlah estuary. Mugil macrolepisMugil macrolepis seed is found at seed is found at the mouth of the Chilka during November to the mouth of the Chilka during November to January. January.

Mugil corsulaMugil corsula seed is collected from Hoogly- seed is collected from Hoogly- Matlah and Mahanadi estuaries during July and Matlah and Mahanadi estuaries during July and August. August.

The seed of seabass The seed of seabass Latus calcariferLatus calcarifer is collected is collected during May to October from Jhankran and Hoogly-during May to October from Jhankran and Hoogly-Matlah estuaries in West Bengal. It is available Matlah estuaries in West Bengal. It is available during July and August at the mouth of Chilka. during July and August at the mouth of Chilka. This seed is also collected in central and southern This seed is also collected in central and southern regions of the east coast.regions of the east coast.

Asian Seabass/ Barramundi - Lates calcarifer

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

•Scientific name: Lates calcarifer•Economically important food fish in tropical countries.•habitat: Euryhaline and catadromous i.e., it grows in fresh/brackish water.•It is widely distributed in the tropical areas of Indo-Pacific region.•Adult Seabass is carnivores, but juveniles are omnivores. It is protandrous hermaphrodite.•Hardy fish and suitable for farming in brackish, fresh and marine waters in ponds, cages and pens.•PONDS: Stocking density - 10,000/ha Yield -4.0 - 5.0 t/ha•Cages : Stocking density - 10 - 12 no./m2Yield - 6 kg / m2

Milk fish - Chanos Chanos

                                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                               

•Scientific name: Chanos Chanos

•Herbivores fish, feeds mainly on benthic blue green algae and decayed organic matter.

•Habitat: Found in coastal waters, enters estuaries and rivers.

•Naturally abundant in Coromandal coast and Gulf of Mannar.

•Highly compatiable hardy fish; can be farmed in atcoastal brackishwater and freshwater ecosystems in ponds and cages.•Popular food fish, suitable for polyculture and integrated farming•Monoculture: Stocking density - 5,000 - 6,000 / ha•Yield - 2.5 - 2.5 t / ha / 6-7 months

Grey Mullet - Mugil cephalus

                                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                         

•Scientific name: Mugil cephalus•Herbivores fish.•Inhabits seas, estuaries and rivers extending almost into freshwater.•Distributed world wide in temperate and tropical waters; abundant in north east and south west coasts of india.•Suitable for farming in fresh, breakishwater and marine conditions; also polycultured with shrimps as integrated farming.•Highly relished in kerala and West bengal.•Monoculture: Stocking density - 10,000 - 15,000 / ha•Yield - 2.5 - 3.0 t / ha / 8 months•Polyculture : Stocking density - 5,000 - 6,000 /ha•Yield - 1.5 - 2.0 t /ha / 10 months

Pearl Spot - Etroplus suratensis

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                            

Monoculture: Stocking density-20,000 -30,000 / haYield - 2.0 / ha / 8 - 9 months

Tiger shrimp - Penaeus monodon

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                 

•Scientific name: Penaeus monodon•Largest species of shrimp in the world grows upto 32 cm.•Hapitat: Estuaries, rivers, inshore and brackishwater.•Naturally abundant in east and south-west coasts of India.•Extensively cultured in India and other Asian countries.•Stocking density : upto 1,00,000 / ha•Yield : 1.0 - 1.5 t/ha/crop

Indian White Shrimp - Penaeus indicus

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                 

Stocking Density : UPTO 1,00,000 / haYield : 0.75 -1.0 t/ha/crop

Banana Shrimp - Penaeus merguiensis

                                                                                                  

    

Stocking density : upto 1,00,000 / ha Yield : 0.5 - 1.0 t/ha/crop

White leg Shrimp - Penaeus vannamei

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                 

•Scientific name: Litopenaeus vannamei•Distribution: Native of pacific coast of Mexico and central and south America•Introduced in Asian and Southeast Asian countries since 2000•Importation of SPF broodstock permitted in India since 2009 under strict guidelines•Stocking density permitted : upto 6,00,000 / ha•Yield :  upto 10 t/ ha/ 4month crop

 

Mud Crab - Scylla serrata

                                                                                                         

•Scientific name: Scylla serrata•Mud Crabs are largest of the portunid crabs with carapace width of 22 cm weighing about 2.4 kg.•Habitat: Estuaries and in burrows of mangrove areas.•Naturally abundant in brackishwaters of Indian coasts.•Very active at nigt, can migrate up to 50 km offshore and can swim down to 300 m depth in water.•Well relished for its taste, texture and nutritive value hence both the species are captured and cultured in India.•Stocking density : 5,000 -30,000 / ha for grow out and1,000 - 4,000/ha for Fattenning.•Yield : 1.0 - 1.5 t/ha/year in grow-out, 60 - 100 g weight gain / crab / month in fattenning.

Mud Crab - Scylla tranquebarica

                                                                                                         

•Scientific name: Scylla tranquebarica•Mud Crabs are largest of the portunid crabs with carapace width of 22 cm weighing about 2.4 kg.•Habitat: Estuaries and in burrows of mangrove areas.•Naturally abundant in brackishwaters of Indian coasts.•Very active at nigt, can migrate up to 50 km offshore and can swim down to 300 m depth in water.•Well relished for its taste, texture and nutritive value hence both the species are captured and cultured in India.•Stocking density : 5,000 -30,000 / ha for grow out and 1,000 - 4,000/ha for fattening.•Yield : 0.6 - 1.5 t/ha/year in grow - out, 85 - 150 weight gain / crab / month in fatteningBack

PRAWN AND ITS SEED RESOURCESPRAWN AND ITS SEED RESOURCES The prawn fishery of the country is The prawn fishery of the country is

supported by genera like supported by genera like Penaeus, Penaeus, Metapenaeus, Parapenaeopsis and Metapenaeus, Parapenaeopsis and SolenocraSolenocra. All these prawns are suitable . All these prawns are suitable for culture. The following 8 species are for culture. The following 8 species are used mostly for prawn culture. used mostly for prawn culture.

These are These are Penaeus monodon, P. indicus, P. Penaeus monodon, P. indicus, P. merguiensis, P. semisulcatus, merguiensis, P. semisulcatus, Metapenaeus dobsoni, M.monoceros, M. Metapenaeus dobsoni, M.monoceros, M. affinis affinis and and M. brevicornisM. brevicornis. This prawn seed . This prawn seed is available in plenty on both east and is available in plenty on both east and west coasts. west coasts.

The seed comes along with high tides and The seed comes along with high tides and is trapped in mangrove areas and mud is trapped in mangrove areas and mud flats of brackishwaters.flats of brackishwaters.

P. monodon P. monodon seed is available throughout seed is available throughout the year in the entire wast coast and the year in the entire wast coast and during July to October in Goa and October during July to October in Goa and October to April in Karnataka coasts. to April in Karnataka coasts. P. indicus P. indicus seed is available from February to seed is available from February to December on the east December on the east coast and January coast and January to October on the west coast. to October on the west coast. P. P. merguiensis merguiensis seed is found from February seed is found from February to May and October to December in the to May and October to December in the west coast. west coast.

Metapenaeus dobsoni Metapenaeus dobsoni seed is found seed is found during February to August on the west during February to August on the west coast, whereas coast, whereas M. affinis M. affinis seed is seed is available from October to December available from October to December on the west coast. on the west coast. M. monoceros M. monoceros seed seed is available from September to April is available from September to April on the west coast, whereas on the on the west coast, whereas on the east coast it is available from March to east coast it is available from March to September. September. M. brevicornis M. brevicornis seed is seed is found in March and April on the found in March and April on the Gujarat Coast and October to Gujarat Coast and October to December on the West Bengal coast.December on the West Bengal coast.

BRACKISH WATER FARMSBRACKISH WATER FARMS India is estimated to possess along its coast a total area of India is estimated to possess along its coast a total area of

2 million ha suitable for brackishwater fish farming. But the 2 million ha suitable for brackishwater fish farming. But the total area under cultivation was only 65,100 ha in 1990-91, total area under cultivation was only 65,100 ha in 1990-91, which increased to 1,41,837 ha in 1998-99 by the which increased to 1,41,837 ha in 1998-99 by the construction of coastal aquafarms as the demand for construction of coastal aquafarms as the demand for shrimps increased tremendously in the international shrimps increased tremendously in the international market. market.

Presently, brackishwater aquaculture is restricted to shrimp Presently, brackishwater aquaculture is restricted to shrimp farming in farm ponds owing to the high export potential of farming in farm ponds owing to the high export potential of penaeid shrimps penaeid shrimps (Penaeus monodon (Penaeus monodon and and P. indicus).P. indicus).

The Sunderbans of West Bengal and the extensive The Sunderbans of West Bengal and the extensive backwaters of Kerala, where certain amount of backwaters of Kerala, where certain amount of brackishwater culture already exists, and other areas along brackishwater culture already exists, and other areas along the coasts of Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are the coasts of Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are suitable for development of coastal aquaculture. suitable for development of coastal aquaculture.

The The bheri bheri fish culture of West Bengal, the shrimp culture in fish culture of West Bengal, the shrimp culture in paddy fields of Kerala and culture of fish in lagoons are the paddy fields of Kerala and culture of fish in lagoons are the three principal types of traditional fish culture practised in three principal types of traditional fish culture practised in India. The modern brackishwater farming in coastal India. The modern brackishwater farming in coastal aquafarms assumes considerable importance in recent aquafarms assumes considerable importance in recent times.times.

Bheries (Impoundments)Bheries (Impoundments) Brackishwater fish culture in impoundments Brackishwater fish culture in impoundments

comprises cultivation of fish in tidal waters comprises cultivation of fish in tidal waters admitted through sluices in suitably embanked admitted through sluices in suitably embanked enclosures. enclosures.

These are called These are called bhasabadha fisheries bhasabadha fisheries or or bheries bheries in Bengal. Bheries are compounded low-lying in Bengal. Bheries are compounded low-lying areas in deltaic West Bengal adjacent to estuaries areas in deltaic West Bengal adjacent to estuaries and creeks where culture is carried out round the and creeks where culture is carried out round the year in a traditional way. The size of such bheries year in a traditional way. The size of such bheries varies from 3 to 260 ha. Their numbers have varies from 3 to 260 ha. Their numbers have been estimated at 1,392 together constituting an been estimated at 1,392 together constituting an area of 42,600 ha in three brackishwater zones, area of 42,600 ha in three brackishwater zones, viz., low saline (0.15-9.5 PPT), medium saline viz., low saline (0.15-9.5 PPT), medium saline (0.27- 15.8 PPT) and high saline (6.6-36.2PPT) (0.27- 15.8 PPT) and high saline (6.6-36.2PPT) zones. zones.

In saline bheries, the important fishes, In saline bheries, the important fishes, shrimps and crabs generally cultured are: shrimps and crabs generally cultured are: a) fishes – a) fishes – Lates calcarifer, Mugil parsia, M. Lates calcarifer, Mugil parsia, M. tade, M. speigleri, Mystus gulio, Polynemus tade, M. speigleri, Mystus gulio, Polynemus tetradactylus, Anguilla bengalensis, tetradactylus, Anguilla bengalensis, Scalophagus argus, Glossogobius giuris; b) Scalophagus argus, Glossogobius giuris; b) shrimps - shrimps - Penaeus monodon, P. indicus, Penaeus monodon, P. indicus, Metapenaeus monoceros, M. brevicornis, Metapenaeus monoceros, M. brevicornis, M. rosenbergii, M. rude, Palaemon M. rosenbergii, M. rude, Palaemon styliferus, Acetes sp., Parapenaeopsis styliferus, Acetes sp., Parapenaeopsis spp. spp. and c) crabs – and c) crabs – Scylla serrata.Scylla serrata.

Around 170 bheries covering about 8000 Around 170 bheries covering about 8000 ha area receives sewage in different ha area receives sewage in different concentrations and utilize these organic concentrations and utilize these organic wastes for fish production. Indian major wastes for fish production. Indian major carps, exotic carps in addition to tilapia carps, exotic carps in addition to tilapia form the desired species in bheries.form the desired species in bheries.

Paddy FieldsPaddy FieldsThe seasonal utilization of paddy fields The seasonal utilization of paddy fields

for culture of brackishwater shrimps for culture of brackishwater shrimps and fishes is quite common in West and fishes is quite common in West Bengal and Kerala. The practice Bengal and Kerala. The practice followed in West Bengal involves the followed in West Bengal involves the use of irrigation canal, if any, lying in use of irrigation canal, if any, lying in the vicinity of paddy fields through the vicinity of paddy fields through which fish fry are allowed to enter the which fish fry are allowed to enter the fields where they grow during the fields where they grow during the paddy cultivation period. About 1.12 paddy cultivation period. About 1.12 million ha area of paddy field in India.million ha area of paddy field in India.

The fish are cropped just before the The fish are cropped just before the harvesting of paddy. The important harvesting of paddy. The important species of fish and shrimps cultured in species of fish and shrimps cultured in the paddy fields are: Fish - the paddy fields are: Fish - Mugil Mugil parsia, M. tade, Rhinomugil corsula, parsia, M. tade, Rhinomugil corsula, Lates calcarifer Lates calcarifer and and Mystus gulio Mystus gulio and and shrimps - shrimps - Palaemon carcinus, Palaemon carcinus, Macrobrachium rude, Metapenaus Macrobrachium rude, Metapenaus monoceros, M. brevicornis and monoceros, M. brevicornis and Penaeus semisulcatus. Penaeus semisulcatus. In recent In recent years, years, Penaeus monodon Penaeus monodon is also is also introduced as a supplementary stock. introduced as a supplementary stock.

In Kerala, the brackishwater fish culture is In Kerala, the brackishwater fish culture is practised in the low-lying paddy fields called practised in the low-lying paddy fields called pokkali fields.pokkali fields.

Paddy is cultivated from July to September Paddy is cultivated from July to September when the surrounding back waters are low in when the surrounding back waters are low in salinity and from October, shrimp culture is salinity and from October, shrimp culture is practised in these fields. In the pokkali fields, practised in these fields. In the pokkali fields, shrimps constitute about 80% of the catch, shrimps constitute about 80% of the catch, the species being the species being Penaeus indicus, P. Penaeus indicus, P. semisulcatus Metapenaeus monoceros, M. semisulcatus Metapenaeus monoceros, M. dobsoni, Macrobrachium rude, Palaemon dobsoni, Macrobrachium rude, Palaemon styliferus, Caridina gracilirostris and Acetes styliferus, Caridina gracilirostris and Acetes sp. The rest of the crop comprises mullets, sp. The rest of the crop comprises mullets, pearlspots and chromides pearlspots and chromides (Etroplus (Etroplus maculatus).maculatus).

Important species of Important species of Penaeid prawns and life Penaeid prawns and life history of typical Prawnhistory of typical Prawn