Exploring Promising Species and Innovative Techniques for Sustainable Island Mariculture: A Comprehensive Review

Imelda, Joseph and Megarajan, Sekhar and Joseph, Shoji (2023) Exploring Promising Species and Innovative Techniques for Sustainable Island Mariculture: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of the Andaman Science Association, 28 (2). pp. 128-142. ISSN 0970-4183

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Abstract

The aquaculture sector has emerged as the fastest-growing food-producing industry globally, meeting the escalating demand for aquatic food sources. In India, this phenomenon is mirrored, with the aquaculture sector experiencing remarkable growth, positioning the country as the second leading producer of cultured fish. Notably, during the 2021-22 period, India exhibited an impressive average annual growth rate of 8.0%, underscoring the sector’s robust expansion. With an extensive coastline spanning 8129 km across nine coastal states and three union territories, including the scenic Andaman Islands, India possesses a diverse landscape for aquaculture development. The Andaman Islands, renowned for their natural beauty, boast a rich marine ecosystem with potentially undiscovered fish species, contributing significantly to India’s total coastline, approximately a quarter thereof. Mariculture technologies tailored for island ecosystems encompass a spectrum, ranging from onshore aquaculture with facilities like tanks, ponds, and aquaponics systems that afford precise control over conditions, to inshore aquaculture providing a more natural environment for farmed species, and offshore aquaculture featuring enclosed sections in open water, exposing species to varied natural conditions such as currents and nutrient cycles. The present review delves into the specific realm of mariculture in island ecosystems, shedding light on global trends, issues within these unique environments, and considerations imperative for the successful and sustainable development of mariculture. The paper extends beyond India, encapsulating the broader context of island mariculture worldwide, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities inherent in these ecosystems. Ultimately, the review strives to contribute to the discourse on fostering sustainable practices, balancing environmental conservation with economic viability, and addressing social considerations to ensure the long-term resilience of island mariculture.

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