Recent Advances in Coastal Aquaculture

The world fish production is around 152 million tonnes supporting the nutritional security of the growing \npopulation of the world. Out of the total fish production, aquaculture contributes around 42%. The capture \nfisheries, though intensive efforts are made for exploitation in many cases is static or declining. In some areas \nthrough continuous unregulated over exploitation it has often exceeded the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) \nand aquaculture has to necessarily support the fish production. Aquaculture is considered as one of the potential \ngrowth sectors showing annual growth rate between 8 and 10%. and is dominated by Asian countries. The \nimportance of coastal aquaculture in the context of augmenting fish production, improving rural economy and \nproductive utilisation of water resources is well-established. The development of coastal aquaculture received \nattention since certain fish stocks in the marine capture fishery indicated optimum level of exploitation, and \ntheir catch returns, despite increased efforts, showed declining trend. Following this, national Institutes concerned \nwith research and development of marine and brackishwater fisheries, initiated investigations on coastal \naquaculture such suitable organisms.