Sustainable coastal mariculture through integrated multi-trophic aquaculture of green mussel (Perna viridis) and silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii)

Rajesh, K M and Thomas, Sujitha and Ail, Sunil S and Dharshan, K S and Dineshbabu, A P and Viswambharan, Divya and Akhila, U A and Harshitha, R and Murthy, Narasimha L and George, Grinson (2026) Sustainable coastal mariculture through integrated multi-trophic aquaculture of green mussel (Perna viridis) and silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii). Aquaculture Reports, 48. pp. 1-11.

Text Aquaculture Reports_2026_Rajesh K M.pdf Download (6MB)

Abstract

The present study assesses the performance of an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system combining Trachinotus blochii (silver pompano) and Perna viridis (green mussel) across estuarine areas in Udupi district, Karnataka, India. The IMTA system consisted of two fish cages integrated with two mussel rafts. In contrast, the control system, located approximately 1 km away from the IMTA unit, comprised two fish cages and two mussel rafts maintained separately, with a distance of about 500 m between the fish cages and mussel rafts to prevent interaction effects. This experimental arrangement was replicated across four locations. Over a 180-day culture period, key indicators including water quality, growth metrics, survival rates, and economic performance were monitored. Fish reared under the IMTA system exhibited superior growth; with an average weight of 412 ± 7.20 g compared to 338.8 ± 0.72 g at the control site wherein mussels and fishes are reared in isolation. Mussels cultured within the IMTA system achieved higher shell lengths (75.9 ± 1.15 mm) opposed to those in the control (68.2 ± 0.54 mm). Fish survival was notably higher in the IMTA system (84.9 ± 0.9%) relative to the control (78.3 ± 0.5%). Similarly, mussel survival was improved in IMTA (90.54 ± 2.8%), contrast to the control (77.62 ± 9.6%), indicating more favourable rearing conditions. Economically, IMTA demonstrated a better benefit-cost ratio (1.75) over the control (1.34), reflecting improved cost-efficiency and profitability. The findings highlight IMTA’s advantages in terms of enhanced nutrient utilization, growth performance, and economic returns. Additionally, a survey of farmer’s perception on IMTA indicated strong support for IMTA as a community-based, sustainable aquaculture approach, underlining its potential for wider regional implementation.

Actions (login required)

View Item