Innovative farming of inexperienced mussel yields bumper harvest in Kerala, bought out very quickly

By Express News Service
KOCHI: An experimental farming enterprise undertaken by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) to popularise built-in multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) proved profitable as fish farmers at Moothakunnam in Ernakulam district acquired a bumper harvest of inexperienced mussel. The CMFRI has undertaken built-in farming mixed with cage fish and seaweed farming beneath participatory mode with fishfarmers in Moothakunnam.

The IMTA apply combines farming of fish, seaweeds and filter feeding bivalves to create balanced methods for environmental and financial stability. CMFRI began the enterprise in December final 12 months as a part of its analysis to develop a sustainable cage fish farming mannequin appropriate for Kerala’s ecosystem. In the primary harvest, round one tonne of inexperienced mussel was yielded from 150 strings hung round as many as 4 fish cages. Individual mussel grew to the scale of 72 g which is a profitable development fee in mussel farming. Though the harvest was held throughout the COVID lockdown, all the produce bought out very quickly.

A group led by principal scientist Shoji Joseph noticed that the fishes contained in the cage attained higher development and seaweed being cultured across the cage confirmed wholesome standing with quick development fee. Fishes will likely be harvested by the tip of subsequent month.

CMFRI director A Gopalakrishnan mentioned the institute will take steps to popularise the IMTA apply throughout the coastal states. “CMFRI had developed a model of IMTA practice on open sea waters of Tamil Nadu which ensured better income to the coastal people. The IMTA in line with the increasing trend of cage farming will help transform the lives of coastal community,” he mentioned.