'Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi'
Abstract
Marine fin and shellfish farming is an age old practice across the globe to augment the seafood
production and to supplement the protein rich food. The open sea cages are particularly
advantageous for maintaining the brood stock of potential species like cobia (Rachycentron
canadum) and silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii) for captive breeding. A large congregation
of various bioresources are also found to be associated with cage farming (Imelda et al., 2010).
In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the biodiversity of the cage farming
area at Mandapam in Gulf of Mannar, India