Benthic ecology of selected prawn culture fields and ponds near Cochin

Abstract

In the recent past, world-wide fishing effort has increased and the resources must be approaching or must have already surpassed the maximum sustainable yield. In this context, aquaculture assumes a significant role as the next alternative to enhance food production. During the year 1993-94, export of marine products from India recorded an all time high of 239918 hit valued at Ks. 2252.80 crores, of which 60,000 t was contributed by prawns from lands under shrimp farming. The exploitation of this economically significant group has reached an optimum level in our waters. As a source of additional resource, aquaculture has been resorted to which has a long recorded history in India and has been traditionally practised in suitable low-lying areas.