Promoting sea cage farming and ornamental fish farming

**Executive Summary** This document outlines the Indian government's initiatives to promote sea cage farming and ornamental fish farming across all States and Union Territories, with a specific focus on Maharashtra. Key activities are being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with the Department of Fisheries having approved projects worth Rs. 1472.75 crore for Maharashtra. The Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) on Development of Mariculture has been launched, and various research institutes are actively involved in site identification, demonstration, and training programs. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Government Initiatives:** * The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to promote mariculture and ornamental fish farming. * Priority areas include mariculture activities, ornamental fish farming, and pearl farming for livelihood generation. * **Maharashtra Projects and Implementation:** * Fisheries developmental projects worth Rs. 1472.75 crore have been approved for Maharashtra under PMMSY. * Approved activities include ornamental fish brood banks, backyard/medium ornamental fish rearing units, integrated ornamental fish rearing, recreational fisheries, and open sea cage farming. * Currently, Maharashtra has 09 Open Sea Cage Culture Units and 39 Freshwater Ornamental Fish Rearing Units implemented. * In Alibag-Shrivardhan, 39 units of ornamental fisheries have been implemented, while applications for 'Open Sea Cage Culture' were not received in Raigad district. * **Standard Operating Procedure (SoP):** * A Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) on Development of Mariculture has been launched for all coastal States/UTs, including Maharashtra. * Mariculture activities covered by the SoP include sea cage farming, marine ornamental fisheries, and pearl farming. * **Research and Development:** * The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has identified 5 suitable sites for cage farming along the Maharashtra coast (1915 ha) and 340 ha in Shrivardhan. * ICAR-Central Marine Research Institute (CMFRI) has demonstrated open-sea cage farming in Maharashtra under a Tribal sub-scheme. * ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) has developed and demonstrated cage farming of Asian seabass in brackishwater creeks, with over 300 cages currently in operation in Maharashtra. * ICAR-Central Institutes of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) is conducting training and demonstration programs on breeding and culture of ornamental fishes in Maharashtra. **Impact Analysis** **Fisheries Department (Government of India and Maharashtra)** * **Impact:** Responsible for the implementation and oversight of the PMMSY scheme, including project approvals, fund allocation, and monitoring progress of mariculture and ornamental fish farming initiatives. * **Action Required:** Continue to implement and monitor approved projects, ensure adherence to the SoP, and facilitate training and capacity building. **Fisheries Cooperatives and Associations** * **Impact:** Directly involved in the implementation of mariculture and ornamental fish farming activities, benefiting from government schemes and research support. * **Action Required:** Participate in training programs, adopt the SoP guidelines, and actively engage in the establishment and operation of fish farming units. **Coastal Communities and Fisherfolk** * **Impact:** Potential to benefit from additional livelihood opportunities generated through sea cage farming, ornamental fish farming, and pearl farming, leading to economic development. * **Action Required:** Explore opportunities to participate in these farming activities and acquire necessary skills through training programs. **Research and Academic Institutions (ICAR Institutes)** * **Impact:** Play a crucial role in site identification, technology development, demonstration, and providing technical expertise and training to stakeholders. * **Action Required:** Continue research, development, and outreach activities to support the sustainable growth of mariculture and ornamental fish farming in Maharashtra and other coastal regions.

Key Entities Referenced