Mariculture in India

Mariculture is the rearing of the aquatic organisms under controlled or semi-controlled conditions in coastal and offshore waters where the salinity is maximal and not subject to significant daily or seasonal variations. Mariculture contributes to the production of protein rich food and has been the source of livelihood of millions of coastal villagers. Global production from the marine environment increased from 21.6 million tonnes in 1999 to 27.6 million tonnes in 2003; In 2003, mariculture contributed to 91% of the global total production, from both the marine and brackish environment.

Molluscs farming

Molluscs, characterized by their sedentary mode of life and high nutritive profile have been farmed since several centuries. Oysters, clams, mussels and scallops are the major groups of bivalves farmed. Apart from these, marine pearl oysters are also farmed for the jems they produce, the lustrous pearls and the mother-of-pearl (pearl oyster shell).

Oyster farming

Oysters are one of the most valued seafoods and are farmed extensively. Nearly 12 species of oysters are commercially popular and of these Crassostrea gigas is the most important. In Asia 4.2 million tonnes of oysters were produced during 2003 of which 3.6 million tonnes was from China, contributing to 87% of the continent's oyster production. In India, Crassostrea madrasensis, C. gryphoides, C. rivularis and Saccostrea cucullata are the main oyster species available and of these, C. madrasensis commonly known as the Indian backwater oyster is the most preferred species for farming.

Mussel farming

Mussel farming is one of the most popular mariculture operations in the temperate countries. The global production of farmed mussel has been estimated as 1.58 million tonnes in 2003, registering an increase of 22.8-times over that of 1950, contributions from 40 nations farming nearly 9 different species belonging to the genus Perna and Mytilus and few others showing byssus formation. Apart from being rich in proteins and vitamins, mussels have several medicinal properties. Green-lipped mussel is taken as a food supplement in over 20 countries, mainly to help in maintaining mobility of the joints. Mussels have anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, prophylactic and therapeutic properties and currently research is being carried out for developing an effective low cost anti-AIDS drug from mussel meat.

Clam farming

A number of clam species belonging to the families Archidae, Veneridae, Corbiculidae, Solenidae, Mesodesmidae, Tellinidae and Donacidae occur in the coastal regions of India and among these the most important species which are fished widely are Villorita cyprinoids, Paphia malabarica, Meritrix casta and Anadara granosa. Experiments conducted to farm these species, indicated the feasibility of clam farming in pen and on bottom methods. However, there is no commercial culture of clam following a strict farming protocol, but a method of semiculture, where by the fishers stock seed clams which occur in the fishery in certain areas to be harvested later, is followed in some regions.

Marine pearl farming

Pearl, a jewel from the sea, is one of the oldest known gems, and it is produced by the pearl oyster. Historical evidences indicate that India exported this valuable merchandise to Greece and Rome more than 2,000 years ago. The global cultured pearl industry has an estimated wholesale value of US $ 1.1 billion and a retail value of between US$ 3-5 billion. Altogether, 32 countries are at some stage of pearl culture from pilot scale research to major production and in recent years some of these have expanded their industries rapidly to garner a share of the multi-billion dollar industry.

(Source:Hand book of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 2006. Indian Council of Agricultural Research. New Delhi.)