Need for establishment of a marine Finfish Hatcheryin Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka- Laid

Need for establishment of a marine Finfish Hatcheryin Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka- Laid CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA (DAKSHINA KANNADA): I would like to draw the attention of the Government towards the need for establishing a Marine Finfish Hatchery on a 2-acre site in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, to address the critical shortage of quality marine fish seed and to support sustainable mariculture along the west coast. Dakshina Kannada is one of Karnataka?s key coastal fisheries districts, supporting thousands of livelihoods dependent on marine resources. While marine capture fisheries in the region have largely stabilised, the expansion of open-sea cage culture and coastal mariculture is constrained by the non-availability of reliable, locally produced marine finfish seed. At present, most seed used along the west coast is sourced from the east coast, resulting in higher costs, transportation stress, biosecurity risks, and inconsistent supply. A detailed project proposal prepared by ICAR - CMFRI, Mangaluru Regional Centre, envisages the establishment of a multi-species marine finfish hatchery with a capacity of 1 - 2 million seeds annually, covering high-value species such as cobia, silver pompano, Indian pompano, and snapper. The hatchery would support marine cage farming, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the Blue Economy by enhancing fish production without increasing pressure on wild stocks. In this context, I urge the Ministry to consider the establishment of a Marine Finfish Hatchery in Dakshina Kannada.