Empowering coastal tribal communities with hatchery-produced shell-attached Indian backwater oyster seeds

Anil, M K and Gomathi, P and Shalini, O and Krishnapriya, S and Dineshbabu, A P (2025) Empowering coastal tribal communities with hatchery-produced shell-attached Indian backwater oyster seeds. Marine Fisheries Information Service; Technical and Extension Series (263). pp. 19-21. ISSN 0254-380X

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Abstract

The production of attached spat is a crucial step in the aquaculture of Crassostrea madrasensis (Magallana bilineata), the Indian backwater oyster. Hatchery-produced oyster seed offers several advantages over wild-collected seed, making it the preferred choice for oyster farming worldwide. Hatchery-reared seed ensures uniform size, high survival rates, and disease-free stock, leading to better yield and predictable production cycles. Additionally, it helps conserve natural oyster beds by reducing overexploitation and supports selective breeding for improved growth and resilience. These oyster seeds were produced and supplied by the Vizhinjam Research Centre of ICARCMFRI for coastal tribal farmers of Maharashtra under the sponsorship and support of the Mangrove & Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation of Maharashtra. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable aquaculture practices, improve livelihood opportunities, and support the economic growth of tribal communities by providing high-quality hatchery-reared oyster seeds. Oyster farming is a significant global industry, valued at more than $7 billion, with increasing demand in markets such as the USA, Europe, and Asia. Oysters are highly sought after for their nutritional benefits, including high protein content, essential minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. The rising demand for sustainable seafood and the gourmet food market further contributes to the expansion of oyster farming. Additionally, oysters play a critical role in marine ecosystems by improving water quality and providing habitat for various marine species. Economically, oyster farming provides livelihood opportunities to rural coastal communities. It is a low-investment, non-fed aquaculture practice with minimal pollution and high returns, enabling small-scale farmers to generate sustainable income. With proper support, including hatchery-produced seed, rural farmers can engage in profitable oyster cultivation, benefiting from both local and export markets. This report outlines the methodology adopted for attached oyster spat production, focusing on broodstock collection, spawning, larval rearing, spat attachment, and transportation.

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