ICAR-NBFGR sets up hatchery for marine ornamental fishes at Airoli, Navi Mumbai

Seed distribution event was held at the Coastal Marine Biodiversity Centre of the Mangrove Foundation, Airoli

The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow has established a hatchery facility for marine ornamental fishes at Airoli, Thane, Navi Mumbai in collaboration with the Mangrove foundation, Government of Maharashtra. Ten different species of clownfishes from Indian waters were stocked, broodstock has been developed and captive propagation achieved for seven species, adopting indigenous Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).

The production of three species, Amphiprion percula, A. ocellaris and A. frenatus were up scaled and continuous supply of juveniles / seeds to the beneficiaries for further rearing and marketing was undertaken. 320 people from five coastal districts of Maharashtra underwent training on various aspects of ‘Clownfish Aquaculture’, 93 beneficiaries from 12 coastal villages of two districts (Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri) were adopted the technology and 13 cluster mode clownfish rearing units are under operational and getting consistent income.

A seed distribution event was arranged at the Coastal Marine Biodiversity Centre of the Mangrove Foundation, Airoli.

Dr Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director, ICAR – NBFGR handed over 500 nos. of 1.5cm size A. percula and A. ocellaris to the beneficiaries of Sindhudurg district for further rearing.

Dr Sarkar exhorted that the Institute will continue the support and more rearing units will be established in the coastal districts of Maharashtra with the collaboration of Mangrove foundation.

Seed distribution event was held at