Integration of seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) and pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata) along with Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in open sea floating cage off Andhra Pradesh coast

Abstract

Aquaculture is growing very fast and its growth is expected to continue and it is necessary to supply fish for the ever growing population of our country. In India, fish production and consumption is considered to be important and needs to be promoted. As capture fisheries have almost become stagnant, diversification of aquaculture is highly necessary. Considering the limited scope of freshwater aquaculture and the availability of vast coastline, open sea cage culture gained importance in the present day mariculture practice. Open sea floating cage culture is an alternative sustainable practice for rearing fish and shellfish species and polyculture along with seaweeds may also improve profitability and sustainability. Open sea cage culture is an aquaculture production system where high density of fish is cultured in floating cages. Floating cages are widely used in commercial aquaculture and individual cage units of desired shapes and sizes can be tailored to suit the needs