Grow-out Culture of High Value Finfishes inCost-Effective Cages

Capture fisheries is undergoing tremendous changes either due to increased fishing pressure or due to decrease in the production of certain groups due to fishery dependent or fishery independent factors. In spite of increasing effort the catch of almost all commercially important fin fishes and shell fishes is on the decline and results in severe resource depletion and unemployment. Fishermen community solely depending on fishing for their livelihood is facing an uncertain future. Decline in marine capture fishery also affects the availability of cheap protein for the masses and also affects the GDP growth of the country. It is estimated that the demand for fish will increase by 4% in developed countries and by 57% in developing countries. It is in this context cage farming of fin fishes and shell fishes assume importance as a means to increase fish production. Since cage farming is done in open waters were wave action and current takes care of the day to day maintenance of the cultured fishes. Unlike pond cultured fishes the carbon foot print in cage culture is relatively low and therefore more eco friendly.