Draft Mariculture policy proposes special zones, offshore technology parks

Draft Mariculture policy proposes special zones, offshore technology parks

News

1. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has formulated a draft national policy on mariculture with Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

Important analysis:

2. Mariculture zones: Mariculture zones will be established by demarcating special areas in the sea for activities such as cage farming, bivalve farming, pen culture, seaweed culture, hatcheries and nurseries based on scientific criteria.
3. It suggested farming of genetically modified (GM) species in closed mariculture systems.
4. The policy allows farming exotic and genetically modified species in closed mariculture systems after stringent risk assessment and monitoring.
5. Objective of the policy

• To enhance mariculture production in the country
• increase income and employment opportunities in a sustainable way
• promoting entrepreneurship by facilitating technical and financial inputs

6.Identifying potential zones through remote sensing: Satellite remote sensing data and GIS will be used to identify potential zones for mariculture on the basis of scientific to avoid conflict with other users and protecting the livelihoods of local fishing communities.

7. Mariculture technology parks: Sea areas identified using GIS and remote sensing will be designated as mariculture technology parks by the respective States.
8. Exceptions in the selection of zones: Marine protected areas, ecologically sensitive areas such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and other coastal areas with strategic interest will not be considered for mariculture zones.
9. Offshore technology parks: To support fish breeding, culture, packaging and trade, the policy proposes encouraging the establishment of off-shore technology parks and coastal embankment systems.

10.Funding support: The policy advises the government to formulate financial assistance programmes, including prioritised lending schemes, subsidised credit and investment subsidies, to promote mariculture.