Introduction to Aquaculture

• Definition (FAO, 1997):

"Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants."

• Key Features:

o Involves human intervention (e.g., stocking, feeding, protection).

o Implies ownership of the cultivated stock.

• Fisheries:

Industries or areas involved in catching, processing, or selling fish and other aquatic animals from wild (natural)
environments or through aquaculture. Fisheries can be marine (ocean-based) or freshwater (inland).

• Pisciculture:

A branch of aquaculture focused specifically on the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish in controlled
environments like ponds, tanks, or enclosures.

• Seaweed Culture (or Seaweed Farming):

The practice of growing and harvesting seaweed (marine algae) for use in food, cosmetics, fertilizers, and industrial
products. Typically done in coastal areas using ropes or nets suspended in seawater.

• Oyster Culture (Oysterculture):

The farming of oysters for food and pearl production. Oysters are cultivated in racks, trays, or cages in coastal waters
where conditions are suitable for their growth.

• Shrimp Culture:

The farming of shrimp or prawns in controlled aquatic systems like ponds, tanks, or raceways. It is a major
component of aquaculture, especially in coastal regions.

• Ornamental Fish Culture:

The breeding and rearing of colorful and decorative fish species for the aquarium trade. It involves maintaining water
quality, selecting desirable traits, and preventing disease to produce high-quality ornamental fish.

• Molluscan Culture:

The cultivation of mollusks such as mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops under controlled or semi-controlled aquatic
environments for commercial purposes, including food, pearls, and shells. This type of aquaculture often involves
methods like raft culture, bottom culture, or longline systems in marine or brackish waters.

• Limnology:

The scientific study of inland freshwater ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, reservoirs, streams, and wetlands. It
focuses on the biological, chemical, physical, and geological characteristics and processes of these water bodies.

• Oceanology (also called Oceanography):

The scientific study of the ocean and its components, including marine organisms, ocean currents, waves, geology of
the sea floor, and chemical and physical properties of seawater. It encompasses several branches such as biological,
physical, chemical, and geological oceanography.
Theories on the Origin of Aquaculture
❖ There are four major theories explaining how aquaculture might have originated:

1. Oxbow Theory

2. Catch-and-Hold Theory

3. Concentration Theory

4. Trap-and-Crop Theory

Oxbow Theory

• How it started: Natural river curves (oxbows) form over time.

• Floods restock fish, and humans noticed abundant catches in these curved areas.
• Aquaculture begins: Locals started enclosing and managing these oxbow lakes.

Catch-and-Hold Theory

• Origin: Castles and palaces had artificial ponds for water, not fish.
• Need: Royals wanted fish year-round, including winter.
• Practice: Fish from natural waters were caught and stored in ponds.
• Outcome: Grew into systematic stocking and feeding → Aquaculture.

Concentration Theory

• Monsoon floods fill lowlands and marshes → Fish grow and reproduce.
• Dry season: Water recedes → Fish get trapped in depressions.
• Locals fish these spots → Start managing them → Build embankments → Aquaculture begins.

Trap-and-Crop Theory

• Brackish/marine areas with tidal flows (e.g., lagoons, coastal ponds).

• High tide brings in fish → Low tide strands them.
• Locals trap them using barriers → Wait till they grow → Harvest.
• Spread from Indonesia → Philippines → South/Southeast Asia.

Global History of Aquaculture

❖ Indigenous Aquaculture: Gunditjmara People (Australia)

• Over 6,600 years ago: The Gunditjmara people of Australia constructed one of the oldest known
aquaculture systems at Budj Bim (Mount Eccles).

• Used lava-flow channels, weirs, and dams to trap and farm kooyang (short-finned eels).

• Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it shows the sophistication of Indigenous engineering and
sustainable aquaculture.

❖ Ancient China

• Before 1000 BCE: First documented fish farming—carp culture in ponds.

• Zhou Dynasty (1112–221 BCE) and Fan Li (~500 BCE) promoted carp as a symbol of luck and prosperity.

• Tang Dynasty (~618 CE): Emperor Li (meaning "carp") forbade farming carp due to its sacred association.

• Resulted in development of polyculture systems (farming multiple compatible fish species).

• Early integrated aquaculture: Used livestock manure to stimulate algae growth and drained nutrient-rich
pond beds for use as fertilizer.
❖ Ancient Rome

• Introduced oyster farming and used vivarium (fish holding pools).

• Wealthy Romans kept live fish in homes for display and consumption.

• Aquaculture was a symbol of luxury and status.

❖ Medieval Europe

• Monastic orders and aristocracy-controlled land and water.

• Built freshwater fish ponds (vivaria) for exclusive consumption.

• Mussel farming began in the 13th century, with techniques that remained unchanged until the 1960s.

• Fishing rights were strictly controlled, and poaching was severely punished.

❖ Renaissance Europe

• Rise of manuals and treatises on pond management.

• Carp dominated aquaculture, especially in Eastern Europe.

• Emperor Charles IV built extensive pond networks in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic).

❖ Enlightenment to 19th Century

• Germany discovered artificial breeding of fish.

• Industrialization in the 1800s led to:

o Pollution

o Habitat destruction

o Decline in wild fish populations

• Trout farming gained attention.

• Hatcheries emerged across Europe, the U.S., India, New Zealand, and Japan.

❖ Colonial Aquaculture (1900s)

• Fish introduced in African colonies for:

o Leisure fishing

o Malaria control

o Food production (e.g., tilapia)

• In Israel, kibbutzim farmers adapted European aquaculture to desert environments, achieving fish self-
sufficiency.

❖ Mid-20th Century Developments

• 1950s: Invention of granulated artificial feed replaced raw meat and agricultural waste as fish food.

• Enabled standardized, efficient feeding and growth.

❖ 1970s and Beyond: Marine Aquaculture & Innovation

• Floating cages, fiberglass tanks, and plastic piping replaced traditional costly infrastructure.

• Despite early issues with viability, marine fish farming evolved significantly in the 1980s–1990s.
❖ 21st Century: Global Rise

• By 2013, the production from aquaculture (farmed fish + aquatic plants) exceeded that of wild capture
fisheries.

• According to FAO (2016), aquaculture became a major contributor to global food supply.

❖ Key Takeaways

• Aquaculture is not a modern invention—it has ancient roots across Indigenous, Asian, Roman, and
European civilizations.

• It evolved from sustainable, traditional systems to high-tech, global industries.

• With declining wild fish stocks, aquaculture is now essential for global food security and environmental
sustainability.

🇮🇳 History of Aquaculture in India

Ancient Origins:

• 2000 years ago: References from Kautilya’s Arthashastra show early fish culture activities.

• Aquaculture began in paddy fields and low-lying areas, where natural flooding trapped fish seed.

• “Trapping and holding” of fish evolved into systematic fish raising practices.

• Construction of ponds and tanks for water storage supported the growth of aquaculture.

• Ponds became central to rural life, religion, and culture, especially in West Bengal and Assam.

Colonial & Pre-Independence Era:

• Early 1900s: Formation of provincial fishery departments.

• 1911: First scientific fish farm established at Sunkesula (Madras Presidency).

Post-Independence Growth (1947 onwards):

• Emphasis on food production led to investment in agriculture and fisheries.

• Establishment of CIFRI (1947) and CMFRI (1947) laid foundation for modern inland and marine aquaculture.

• 1957: Breakthrough in induced breeding of Indian major carps.

• 1971: Launch of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Composite Fish Culture, a turning point
in freshwater aquaculture.

Institutional Expansion:

• FARTC (1977, Bhubaneswar) under CIFRI promoted research and farmer training.

• Became CIFA in 1986, now a global leader in freshwater aquaculture research.

• FAO/UNDP projects enhanced India’s research and training infrastructure.

• Development of shrimp farming was supported by government and MPEDA.

• Establishment of CIBA and Brackishwater Fish Farmers Development Agency furthered brackishwater
aquaculture.

Major Institutes and Their Contributions:

Institute Location Established Focus

CIFRI Barrackpore, WB 1947 Inland fisheries Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute

CMFRI Kochi, Kerala 1947 Marine fisheries Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

Fisheries Central Institute of Fisheries Technology

CIFT Kochi, Kerala 1957
technology

Fisheries Central Institute of Fisheries Education

CIFE Mumbai, Maharashtra 1961
education

NBFGR Lucknow, UP 1983 Fish genetics National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources

Freshwater Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture

CIFA Bhubaneswar, Odisha 1987
aquaculture

Brackishwater Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture

CIBA Chennai, Tamil Nadu 1987
aquaculture

Coldwater Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research

DCFR Bhimtal, Uttarakhand 1987
fisheries

Key Milestones:

Period Event

2500–1500 BC Fish remains found in Indus Valley

300 BC Arthashastra references fish toxicity

1127 AD Manasoltara categorizes fish

1949 CIFRI’s Pond Culture Division established

1957 Induced breeding of Indian carps

1971 AICRP on Composite Fish Culture launched

1973 Brackishwater fish culture project initiated

1986–1987 Formation of CIFA and CIBA

Resource Type Area

Coastline 8,118 km

EEZ 2.02 million sq. km

Rivers & Canals 2.52 lakh km

Reservoirs 3.15 million ha

Ponds & Tanks 2.36 million ha

Resource Type Area

Estuaries 1.44 million ha

Floodplain & Wetland 1.2 million ha

Oxbow lakes & Derelict waters 1.3 million ha

Brackishwater & Saline area 1.2 million ha (13% is utilized)

Sl. No. State/Union Territory Approximate Length of Coastline (km)

1 Andhra Pradesh 974

2 Goa 104

3 Gujarat 1600

4 Karnataka 300

5 Kerala 590

6 Maharashtra 720

7 Odisha 480

8 Tamil Nadu 1076

9 West Bengal 158

10 Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1912

11 Daman & Diu 27

12 Lakshadweep 132

13 Puducherry 45

TOTAL 8118
Global Aquaculture: Production & Consumption (2022)
• Total Fisheries & Aquaculture Production: 223.2 million tonnes (live weight), a 4.4% increase from 2020.

o Aquatic Animals: 185.4 million tonnes.

o Aquatic Plants (Algae): 37.8 million tonnes.

• Aquaculture's Share: For the first time, aquaculture production (94.4 million tonnes) surpassed wild capture
fisheries (91 million tonnes) in aquatic animal output.

• Aquatic animal production by region: Asia (70%), Europe (9%), Latin America and the Caribbean (9%), Africa
(7%), North America (3%) and Oceania (1%)

• Main producers of aquatic animals by country: China (36%), India (8%), Indonesia (7%), Vietnam (5%) and
Peru (3%)

consumption

• Global apparent consumption of aquatic animal foods (2021): 162.5 million tonnes

• Global apparent consumption of aquatic foods per capita (2021): 20.6 kg

• Global apparent consumption of aquatic foods per capita increases from 9.1 kg in 1961 to 20.6 kg in 2021.

employment

• People employed in primary production: 61.8 million

• Workers by sector: Fisheries (54%), Aquaculture (36%), Sector not specified (10%)

• Percentage of jobs by region: Asia (85%), Africa (10%), Latin America and the Caribbean (4%), Europe,
Oceania and North America combined (1%).

Business

• Top exporters of aquatic animal products: China, Norway, Vietnam, Ecuador, Chile

• Top importers of aquatic animal products: United States, China, Japan, Spain, France

• Value of international trade in aquatic products: US$195 billion

Region Production (Million Tonnes) Percentage of Global Output (2022)

Asia >90 >90%

Africa ~2 ~2%

Europe ~3 ~3%

Americas ~5 ~5%

Oceania <1 <1%

🇮🇳 India: National Aquaculture Scenario

Present Scenario of Aquaculture in India

• India is the 2nd largest aquaculture nation after China.

 • India is the 3rd largest fish producer.

• India is the 4th largest fish exporting country.

• The Blue Revolution (In india-2015-16) emphasized the strategic role of fisheries and aquaculture.

• Freshwater aquaculture contributes over 95% of total aquaculture production.

Production Highlights

• Total Fish Production (2022-23): 17.545 million tonnes (175.45 lakh tonnes), contributing about 8% to global
fish production.

• Major Species Cultivated: Indian major carps (rohu, catla, mrigal), pangasius, tilapia, and shrimp
(Litopenaeus vannamei).

• India's Aquaculture Production Breakdown

Species Group Percentage Share

Indian Major Carps ~65%

Shrimp (L. vannamei) ~15%

Other Species ~20%

Inland Aquaculture

• Total inland fish production (2019–20): 104.37 lakh tons

• Top states in inland fish production:

o 1st: Andhra Pradesh

o Followed by: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar

Consumption Patterns

• Per Capita Fish Consumption: Approximately 9 kg per person annually.

• Regional Variations: Higher consumption in eastern and coastal states; lower in northern and central
regions.

Export Focus: India is a major exporter of shrimp, particularly to the USA, EU, and China.

Objectives of aquaculture

Objective Description

🐟 Protein-rich food Provides low-cost, digestible human food

🌱 Resource utilization Efficient use of water and land resources

🎨 Ornamental fish Production for aesthetic/recreational purposes

🔄 Waste recycling Converts organic waste into valuable biomass

💼 Employment Supports commercial and industrial livelihoods

🎣 Sport & bait fish Promotes recreational fisheries

Emerging Trends in Aquaculture
Technological Innovations

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): Closed-loop systems that recycle water, enhancing sustainability.

• Biofloc Technology: Utilizes microbial communities to improve water quality and reduce feed costs.

• Automation & IoT: Deployment of sensors and AI for real-time monitoring and management.

Species Diversification

• High-Value Species: Expansion into farming of barramundi, seabass, ornamental fish, and seaweed.

• Coldwater Aquaculture: Development in Himalayan regions for species like trout.

Sustainable Practices

• Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA): Combining species like fish, shellfish, and seaweed to
optimize resource use.

• Organic Certification: Growing demand for eco-labeled aquaculture products in export markets.

Climate Adaptation & Biosecurity

• Resilient Strains: Breeding programs focusing on disease resistance and climate adaptability.

• Enhanced Biosecurity: Improved disease surveillance and management practices.

Market & Policy Developments

• Government Initiatives: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) promoting
aquaculture infrastructure and support.

• Digital Marketplaces: Rise of e-commerce platforms connecting producers directly with consumers.

Major Government Initiatives & Schemes

1. Department of Fisheries

• Created in February 2019 to focus on fisheries sector development.

2. Blue Revolution Scheme

• Umbrella scheme integrating all fisheries programs.

• Covers inland, marine, aquaculture, deep-sea fishing, mariculture etc.

• Funded with a central outlay of ₹3000 crore over 5 years.

• Components include:

o Infrastructure development

o Post-harvest operations

o GIS-based data management

o Monitoring & control systems

3. Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

• Corpus of ₹7522.48 crore for infrastructure support.

 • Offers concessional loans through NABARD, NCDC, and scheduled banks.

• First tripartite MoU signed with Tamil Nadu to develop three fishing harbours using ₹420 crore.

4. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• Launched with a total investment of ₹20,000 crore.

o ₹11,000 crore for marine/inland fisheries and aquaculture

o ₹9,000 crore for infrastructure (cold chains, harbours, markets)

• Focus on northeast, Himalayan states, islands, and aspirational districts.

• Includes Ban Period Support for fishers and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC).

Technological Interventions

GEMINI (GAGAN Enabled Mariner’s Instrument for Navigation and Information)

• Provides deep-sea fishermen with:

o Disaster alerts

o Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) forecasts

o Ocean State Forecasts (OSF)

• Solves the communication gap when fishermen go 10–12 km offshore.

Development Focus Areas

• Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Development includes:

o Freshwater & brackish water aquaculture

o Cold water fisheries

o Use of inland saline/alkaline soil

o Reservoir and river fisheries

• National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) supports:

o Coastal & intensive aquaculture

o Ornamental fisheries

o Cage and pen culture

o Deep-sea fishing and tuna processing

o Human resource development and quality seed distribution

• Draft National Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Policy (NIFAP) aims at:

o Conservation of natural ecosystems

o Ecosystem restoration

o Policy support for Himalayan and NE states

o Promotion of R&D and private investment

 o Recognition of fisheries under agriculture land-use

Challenges in Indian Fisheries

• Ecological & Environmental:

o Tropical fish have high oil content; less preferred.

o Smaller fish groups limit commercial viability.

o Aquatic pollution and hypoxic zones affect productivity.

o Climate and biodiversity pressures on natural habitats.

• Operational Issues:

o Poor quality boats (e.g., Fiber Reinforced Plastic issues)

o Lack of access to quality seed, feed, and credit

o Post-harvest losses (15-20%) due to cold chain deficiencies

o Incidents with Sri Lankan navy

o Negative branding due to formalin use

❖ Categories of Aquaculture Systems

1. Based on Salinity (Expanded)

🟢 Freshwater Farming

• Water Salinity: < 0.5 ppt.

• Typical Locations: Inland ponds, lakes,

rivers.

• Common Species:

o Carps (Rohu, Catla, Mrigal)

o Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

o Pangasius

o Catfish (Clarias, Ictalurus)

• Farming Methods: Pond culture, tanks, raceways, RAS.

• Example:

o West Bengal, India: Traditional polyculture of carps.

o Uganda: Tilapia in dugout ponds for smallholder income.

• Productivity: ~2–10 tons/ha/year (depends on inputs).

• Challenges: Limited water during dry season, eutrophication, disease from overcrowding.

🟢 Brackish Water Farming

 • Salinity Range: 0.5 – 30 ppt.

• Areas: Estuaries, mangrove zones, coastal backwaters.

• Popular Species:

o Shrimp: Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp), Litopenaeus vannamei (Whiteleg shrimp)

o Milkfish, Mullet, Mud Crab

• Farming Methods: Coastal ponds, semi-intensive & intensive systems.

• Example:

o Sundarbans, India: Shrimp monoculture

o Vietnam: Mangrove-integrated shrimp farms

• Yield: 4–10 tons/ha/year under semi-intensive; 15+ tons/ha in intensive systems.

• Challenges: Water salinity fluctuation, disease outbreaks (e.g., WSSV in shrimp), ecosystem degradation.

🔵 Marine Water Farming

• Salinity: >30 ppt

• Typical Locations: Coastal and offshore zones.

• Cultured Species:

o Finfish: Sea bass, Grouper, Tuna

o Shellfish: Oysters, Mussels, Clams

o Seaweed: Gracilaria, Kappaphycus

• Farming Techniques: Cages, longlines, rafts, bottom culture.

• Examples:

o Norway: Salmon cage farming

o Philippines: Seaweed farming with longlines

o Japan: Oyster rack culture

• Advantages: Large volume, natural nutrient flow.

• Challenges: Storm vulnerability, high capital needs, biofouling, difficult logistics.

2. Based on Intensity (Expanded)

🟢 Extensive Farming
 • Characteristics:

o Uses natural food (plankton, algae).

o No or minimal feed/fertilizer input.

o Low stocking density: 1,000–5,000

fish/ha.

• Common Systems: Earthen ponds, seasonal

water bodies.

• Species: Carp, Milkfish, Tilapia (extensive strains).

• Examples:

o Rural India: Traditional polyculture of Indian major carps.

o Bangladesh: Integrated rice-fish with zero external feed.

• Productivity: 0.5–2 tons/ha/year.

• Benefits: Low investment, sustainable.

• Limitations: Low yields, weather dependency.

🟢 Semi-Intensive Farming

• Characteristics:

o Mix of natural productivity + supplemental feeding.

o Stocking: 5,000–15,000 fish/ha.

o Use of organic or inorganic fertilizers.

• Common Systems: Modified ponds, pens.

• Species: Tilapia, Pangasius, Catla.

• Examples:

o Thailand: Semi-intensive pond culture of Tilapia using local feed and fertilized water.

o Nigeria: Catfish farming with low-cost feed.

• Productivity: 2–8 tons/ha/year.

• Advantages: Better output with manageable cost.

• Challenges: Requires regular water quality checks, partial aeration.

🔴 Intensive Farming

• Characteristics:

o Artificial feed, high aeration, constant monitoring.

o Stocking >15,000 fish/ha or 20–50 kg/m³ in tanks.

o Often uses technology (aerators, sensors, filters).

• Systems: RAS, tanks, cages.

 • Species: Shrimp, Trout, Salmon, Tilapia.

• Examples:

o USA/Israel: Intensive RAS for Tilapia and shrimp with complete feed.

o Vietnam: High-density shrimp ponds with paddle wheels and probiotics.

• Productivity: 10–40 tons/ha/year (or higher).

• Benefits: High yield, scalable.

• Risks: Expensive setup, high disease potential.

3. Based on Fish Species (Expanded)

🟢 Monoculture

• Definition: Farming of a single species in a unit area.

• Advantages:

o Simplified management.

o Easier disease monitoring and treatment.

o Feed formulation is species-specific.

• Limitations:

o Inefficient resource utilization

(unused niches).

o More prone to disease spread (lack of

diversity).

• Species Commonly Used:

o Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus

vannamei)

o Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

o Pangasius catfish

o Carps (Rohu in monoculture)

• Examples:

o Andhra Pradesh (India): Large-scale monoculture of vannamei shrimp in lined ponds.

o Vietnam & Thailand: Monoculture of Pangasius in raceways and ponds.

• Yield:

o Vannamei shrimp: 10–15 tons/ha/crop.

o Tilapia in RAS: 100+ kg/m³/year.

🟢 Polyculture

• Definition: Co-cultivation of multiple compatible species to optimize space, resources, and feeding layers.

• Advantages:

o Utilizes different ecological niches (surface, column, bottom).

 o Natural biological control of pests and algae.

o Enhanced yield and better water quality.

• Species Combinations:

o Indian major carps: Rohu (surface), Catla (column), Mrigal (bottom).

o Tilapia + Catfish.

o Shrimp + Seaweed + Mollusks (Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture – IMTA).

• Examples:

o West Bengal & Bihar (India): Traditional carp polyculture in earthen ponds.

o China: Rice-fish-duck polyculture systems.

• Yield:

o Carp Polyculture: 3–6 tons/ha/year.

o IMTA Systems: Reduce nutrient waste by 50–80%.

4. Based on Enclosure (Expanded)

🟢 Pond Culture

• Description: The most traditional and widely used system. Water is stored in excavated or embanked areas.

• Types:

o Earthen ponds

o Cemented tanks

• Species: Carp, Tilapia, Catfish, Prawns

• Features:

o Low-cost and scalable

o Can be fertilized for natural food

production

• Example:

o India: IMC polyculture in village ponds.

• Challenges: Predation, seepage, water management.

🔵 Cage Culture

• Description: Cages made of netting are floated in lakes, reservoirs, or the ocean.

• Structure: Buoyant frames, anchored with moorings.

• Species: Tilapia, Sea bass, Salmon

• Advantages:

o Utilizes open water

o Easy to scale

• Challenges:
 o Environmental contamination

o Escapes, theft, biofouling

• Example:

o Lake Volta (Ghana): Tilapia cage farms.

🟢 Pen Culture

• Description: Stationary enclosures built in shallow coastal/lake areas, often using netting and bamboo.

• Species: Milkfish, Carps, Crabs

• Use Cases:

o Semi-natural environments for rearing

o Used in floodplains and reservoirs

• Challenges: Land/water conflicts, sedimentation

• Example:

o Philippines: Milkfish in shallow bay pens.

🟢 Raceway Culture

• Description: Narrow, elongated tanks where water flows continuously.

• Species: Trout, Salmon, Carp

• Advantages:

o High oxygenation

o Continuous waste removal

• Challenges:

o Requires a constant freshwater source

o Expensive to build and maintain

• Example:

o USA & Denmark: Trout production in concrete raceways.

🟢 Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)

• Description: Closed-loop tanks where water is filtered and reused.

• Species: Tilapia, Shrimp, Barramundi

• Technology: Biofilters, UV sterilizers, oxygen injectors

• Advantages:

o Minimal water use

o Urban or indoor farming

• Challenges:

o High capital and operational costs

• Example:
 o Israel & Singapore: High-tech RAS units for urban aquaculture.

5. On the Basis of Integration

Aquaculture can be integrated with agriculture and livestock systems to optimize land, water, and nutrient usage.
Integrated systems provide multiple outputs, natural recycling of waste, and improved farm sustainability.

🐄 A. Animal Husbandry + Fish Integration

These systems use waste from animals as fertilizer for pond productivity or as direct fish feed.

1. Cattle-Fish Culture

• Method: Cow dung is added to ponds to fertilize water and promote plankton growth (natural fish food).

• Benefits:

o Manure-rich water supports high fish biomass.

o Dual-income from milk and fish.

• Example:

o India: Small farmers using 2–3 cows and a 0.1 ha pond.

• Yield: Fish 3–4 tons/ha/year; Milk 800–1000 L/month.

2. Pig-Fish Culture

• Method: Pigsty is constructed adjacent to or over the fish pond; waste directly enters water.

• Species: Common carp, Grass carp, Silver

carp.

• Example:

o China & Vietnam: Widely used in

mountainous regions.

• Risks:

o Excessive waste may reduce DO

(dissolved oxygen).

o Requires disease management.

• Yield: Fish 4–6 tons/ha/year; Pigs 150–

200 kg/month.

3. Poultry-Fish Culture

• Method: Poultry droppings fertilize pond water; sometimes cages are installed over the pond.

• Advantages:

o Reduces need for chemical fertilizers.

o Efficient use of space.

• Example:

o Bangladesh: 500 chickens + 0.1 ha pond = sustainable family farming.

 • Species: Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, Tilapia.

• Yield: Fish 3–5 tons/ha/year; Eggs >120/day/100 birds.

4. Duck-Fish Culture

• Method: Ducks paddle through pond, oxygenate water, and fertilize via droppings.

• Benefits:

o Natural pest control (ducks eat snails and insects).

o Reduces algal blooms.

• Example:

o Assam, India: Local duck breeds + IMC polyculture.

• Species: Carps, Tilapia.

• Yield: Fish 3–6 tons/ha/year; Ducks 150–200 eggs/year/duck.

🌾 B. Agriculture + Fish Integration

This method maximizes land productivity by growing crops and fish together.

1. Rice-Fish Culture

• Method: Fish are stocked in paddy fields during the rainy season.

• Species: Rohu, Common carp, Tilapia.

• Advantages:

o Fish control pests and weeds.

o Fish waste fertilizes rice.

• Example:

o China & NE India: Widespread adoption.

• Yield: Rice + 300–500 kg fish/ha.

2. Horticulture-Fish Culture

• Method: Vegetable or fruit orchards on pond embankments or intercropped with fish systems.

• Benefits:

o Reduces land use conflict.

o Shared water resources.

• Crops: Banana, Papaya, Drumstick, Cucurbits.

• Example:

o Odisha: Banana + pond culture of IMCs.

3. Mushroom-Fish Culture

• Method: Uses water from fish pond (rich in nutrients) to irrigate mushroom beds.

• Setup: Vertical mushroom sheds near pond.

 • Benefits:

o Water reuse

o Organic substrate recycled.

• Yield: Variable by mushroom type (e.g., Oyster: 10–15 kg/m²/cycle).

4. Seri-Fish Culture (Silkworm + Fish)

• Method: Waste leaves and droppings from silkworms are added to pond as feed/fertilizer.

• Integration:

o Mulberry trees grown on bunds.

o Compost and waste enter pond.

• Example:

o Karnataka, India: Silkworm rearers practicing fish polyculture.

6. Different Categories of Aquaculture (Expanded)

This section classifies aquaculture based on environmental, biological, and operational factors.

🟢 Based on Temperature

• Warm Water Aquaculture:

o Species: Tilapia, Catla, Rohu, Pangasius

o Optimal Temp: 25–32°C

o Locations: Tropical and subtropical regions

• Cold Water Aquaculture:

o Species: Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Salmon

o Optimal Temp: 10–18°C

o Locations: Hilly regions, temperate climates (e.g., Norway, Kashmir)

🔵 Based on Water Replacement

• Running Water Systems:

o Continuous flow-through (raceways, streams)

o High oxygen and waste flushing

o Example: Trout farming in raceways

• Stagnant Water Systems:

o Still water with occasional exchange (ponds, lakes)

o Less cost but careful management needed

🟢 Based on Zone
 • Inland Aquaculture:

o Includes ponds, tanks, RAS

o Mostly freshwater (Carps, Catfish)

• Coastal Aquaculture:

o Brackish or saline zones near shore

o Species: Shrimp, Crab, Milkfish

• Marine Aquaculture:

o Offshore cages, pens in open ocean

o Species: Sea bass, Tuna, Mussels, Seaweed

🟢 Based on Water Source

• Types:

o Rainfed tanks/ponds

o Canal-fed ponds

o River-fed enclosures

o Groundwater (borewells)

o Treated sewage or effluent (for low-value species or IMTA)

🟢 Based on Pond Material

• Earthen Ponds: Natural soil ponds (cheap, common in Asia)

• Cemented Tanks: Urban or RAS systems

• Plastic-lined (HDPE): Prevent seepage, ideal for shrimp or biofloc systems

⚫ Based on Species

• Examples:

o Carps (IMC, Chinese carp)

o Tilapia

o Shrimp (Vannamei, Tiger)

o Pangasius

o Trout

o Seaweed (Gracilaria, Ulva)

⚪ Based on Organism

• Finfish: Catla, Tilapia, Trout

 • Crustaceans: Shrimp, Prawn, Crab

• Mollusks: Oyster, Mussel, Clam

• Algae/Plants: Seaweed, Spirulina

• Amphibians: Frogs (rare, regulated)

🟢 Based on Production Stage

• Breeding: Hatchery operations for spawning

• Nursery: Rearing of larvae/fry to fingerling stage

• Grow-out: Culture of market-size fish or shrimp

🟢 Based on Sex

• Monosex Culture:

o Mostly male population

o Applied in Tilapia to avoid early reproduction

• Mixed Sex Culture:

o No sex sorting; used in carp farming

🔶 Based on Stocking Size

• Single-size Stocking:

o All fish stocked at uniform size and age

• Multiple-size (Staggered):

o Regular stocking of different age groups for continuous harvest

🔷 Based on Harvesting Method

• Single Harvesting:

o Entire pond is harvested at once (batch culture)

• Multiple Harvesting:

o Partial harvest at intervals; remaining fish grow larger

• Rotational Harvesting:

o Sequential stocking and harvesting, enabling year-round supply

Inland Aquaculture in India

Top Producing States (2019–20)
 1. Andhra Pradesh – 36.1 lakh tonnes (~35% of national inland production); leads due to large-scale farming of
Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal.

2. West Bengal – 16.2 lakh tonnes; strong tradition in major carp culture.

3. Uttar Pradesh – 6.99 lakh tonnes; rapid growth via Blue Revolution and increased hatchery capacity.

4. Bihar – 6.41 lakh tonnes; expanding through effective use of water resources and modern techniques.

Growth Trends

• Andhra Pradesh’s share in the national fisheries sector rose from 17.7% (2011–12) to 40.9% (2022–23).

• Uttar Pradesh recognized as best inland fisheries performer; increased pond area by 30%.

• Bihar progressing steadily due to favorable policy and tech adoption.

Key Drivers

• Government Schemes: PMMSY offers subsidies, training, and infrastructure support.

• Technology: High-yielding species, feed innovations, hatcheries.

• Infrastructure: Cold chains, transport, processing units minimize post-harvest losses.

Marine Aquaculture in India

Production Snapshot

• 2019–20 Marine Fish Production: 37.27 lakh tonnes (of India’s total 141.64 lakh tonnes).

• Top Producers: Gujarat (7.01 LT), Tamil Nadu (5.83 LT), Andhra Pradesh (5.64 LT).

Cultured Species

• Finfish: Cobia, Pompano, Grouper, Barramundi, Snapper.

• Shellfish: Black Tiger Shrimp, Whiteleg Shrimp, Scampi.

• Crustaceans: Mud Crab (notably in Odisha).

• Seaweeds: Kappaphycus alvarezii for pharma, food, cosmetics.

Technological Advances

• Hatcheries: RGCA developed hatcheries for Cobia, Pompano, and Sea Bass.

• RAS: Enables year-round, sustainable seed and grow-out production.

• Mobile Apps: e.g., Crab Farming app by Odisha’s KVK to assist small-scale farmers.

Policy Support

• PMMSY: Infrastructure, marketing, welfare of fishers.

• Marine Finfish Brood Banks: Ensure quality seed supply for mariculture.

Global Rank

• India is 3rd in global fish production, contributing 8% globally, and 2nd in aquaculture.

Challenges

• Seed quality & availability, infrastructure gaps, environmental sustainability.

Coastal Aquaculture in India
Overview

• Cultivation in brackish waters along India’s 8,118 km coastline.

• High potential for fish, shrimp, seaweed, and mollusk farming.

• Major contributor to employment and export revenue.

Key Species

• Shrimp: Penaeus monodon, Litopenaeus vannamei dominate export-oriented farming.

• Finfish: Cobia, Sea Bass, Pompano grown in cages.

• Crustaceans: Mud crabs in coastal Odisha and West Bengal.

• Seaweeds: Kappaphycus widely grown for commercial use.

Traditional Practices

• Pokkali Fields (Kerala): Rice-prawn rotational farming.

• Bheris (West Bengal): Shallow impoundments for shrimp and fish.

• Khazan Lands (Goa): Managed tidal lands for rice and fish integration.

Regulation

• Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA): Established under the 2005 Act to license and regulate coastal farms
ensuring environmental compliance.

Sustainable Innovations

• IMTA: Mixed farming of fish, shellfish, seaweeds for ecological balance.

• Mangrove-Shrimp Integration: Enhances biodiversity and resilience.

Economic Contribution

• Major source of foreign exchange via seafood exports.

• Promotes rural employment and entrepreneurship (e.g., app-based crab farming guidance).

Future Outlook

• Focus on green aquaculture, eco-certification, value-added products.

• Needs investments in processing, marketing, and sustainability R&D.