A study was undertaken on the effect of probiotic bacteria, belonging to genera Bacillus and Streptococcus, on survival, growth and production of wild-collected red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus in marine cages for a period of 90 days. Wild-collected juvenile fish with an initial biomass of 0.79 kg/m3 were stocked in marine cages at Karwar, India. All the fish (control and probiotic treated) were fed with pellet feed at 10% fish biomass. The feed was supplemented with multi-strain probiotic combination (T1) and with single-strain probiotics (T2 and T3). Growth, survival of fish, and microbiological parameters were monitored at fortnightly intervals. After 90 days of culture, the final mean weight (g), Absolute Growth Rate (AGR g/day), and Specific Growth Rate (SGR%/day) of fish were recorded as 250 ± 0.5 g; 2.23 ± 0.012 g/day; 0.79 ± 0.052%/day, respectively, in T1. A significant difference (P < 0.05) among the different treatments was recorded, and T1 showed a higher growth rate. The highest survival rate was recorded in T1 and T2 and varied significantly among the treatments (P < 0.05). Microbiological analysis of fish gut revealed the presence of Bacillus species as the dominant group in T1, followed by T2. A significant variation (P < 0.05) was recorded in total bacterial and Bacillus loads among all the treatments. The results of the study indicated that the application of 0.1% of multi-strain probiotics as a supplementary diet is economically viable and also enhances the survival, growth, and production of cage-cultured L. argentimaculatus.

Open-sea mariculture is rapidly emerging as a sustainable food production system with sizeable economic potential; however, its expansion poses localized marine pollution, particularly due to nutrient enrichment in coastal ecosystems. This study evaluated the hydrobiological and ecological impacts of tropical sea cage farming along the Saurashtra coast of northwest India using a novel, integrative approach combining the Before-AfterControl-Impact (BACI) investigational design, high-frequency temporal sampling, and ecological indices to assess nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton responses. The results revealed significant localized, transient increases in nitrate, phosphate, and total suspended solids at farming sites, leading to reduced phytoplankton diversity (Shannon's H ' = 3.02) and increased dominance of eutrophication-tolerant taxa such as Nitzschia and Navicula spp. (Simpson's D = 0.0567), compared to the control site (H ' = 3.21; D = 0.0420), indicating localized, transient nutrient discharge into coastal waters. These diatom genera may serve as early bioindicators of nutrient loading. Furthermore, this study also highlights India's unique advantage of a monsoon-driven fallow period, providing a recovery mechanism that supports ecosystem resilience. Thus, to balance mariculture production goals with long-term environmental integrity, this study recommends adopting an ecosystem-based management (EBM) framework that integrates site-specific environmental monitoring. The outcomes of this study provides foundation for the development of science-driven policy frameworks that align with global sustainability imperatives. By demonstrating how climate-adaptive strategies such as monsoon-induced fallowing can be embedded within ecosystem-based governance models, this work advances responsible mariculture expansion in India while directly contributing to the SDG's and the long-term resilience of marine ecosystems.

Fish cutting waste (FCW) from retail markets remains underutilized. This study quantified FCW generation and utilisation practices across maritime zones of India, and evaluated its potential as a feed in coastal cage farming. Regional surveys showed strong variation in FCW generation: South east and North east zones dominated by units with <100 kg/day production, while more than 60% of units in the North west generated >500 kg/day. North east have poor to moderate quality FCW (p < 0.05), the South east by poor, the North west by consistent average, and the South west displaying poor to good quality. Integrated mapping indicated higher FCW utilisation in North west and South west, mainly for fish meal and fertilizer. Cage culture trials using silver pompano fingerlings revealed similar (p > 0.05) growth and survival between FCW-fed [34.5-35.0% crude protein (CP) and 13.19-13.21% crude lipid (CL)] and pellet-fed (38% CP and 7% CL) fish, with final weights of 47.08 ± 0.58 g and 45.12 ± 2.19 g, respectively after 60 days. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was similar for FCW (2.43 ± 0.18) and pellets (2.49 ± 0.13). Carcass of FCW fed fish contained 55.30% CP and 12.34% CL, lower than the pellet fed fish (58.92% CP, 16.72% CL). With the same initial capital investment, the FCW based farming system outperformed the pellet-based system, generating higher gross revenue, net profit, and net operating revenue. Overall, FCW offers a cost-effective alternative feed for small-scale cage aquaculture in developing countries.

The marine ornamental fish industry is a global multi-million-dollar trade dealing in live fish and other marine organisms for aquariums. This industry has seen significant growth in recent years; however, it still relies heavily on wild populations. Pomacentridae is the family that contributes most to the worldwide marine ornamental fish trade. This forms the first report on the captive breeding and egg development of Allen’s damsel or Andaman damsel, Pomacentrus alleni Burgess, 1981. Captive breeding and egg development of the wild-caught specimens of Andaman damselfish was conducted in the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI. The wild-collected broodstock required four months to achieve the first successful spawning. Fecundity observed was from 1070±127 eggs from a female brooder of 5.7 cm TL. The eggs were capsule shaped, measuring 856.91±66.61 µm, with a single oil globule. Hatching rate was 90.6±1.9%. The incubation time was recorded as 107±7.1 hr. Newly hatched larvae had a total length of 1.84±0.11 mm; standard length 1.65±0.03 mm. The present study evaluated the broodstock development and spawning potential of P. alleni under captive conditions, providing insight into the sustainable use of such marine fish resources.

The picnic seabream, or goldsilk seabream, Acanthopagrus berda (Forsskal 1775) is a commercially valuable food fish in the Indian subcontinent. The annual landings of A. berda along the Indian coast during 2018 to 2022 showed an increasing trend over the years. It peaked at 56.5 tons (t) in 2021, up from 0.685 t in 2018, before decreasing again in 2022 (49.8 t). The fishing status of this species has never been studied in India, despite its high market value and limited catches from estuarine and coastal habitats. Hence, a study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2023 to collect information on the landing pattern of A. berda caught at Karwar coast, Karnataka, India. The study aimed to estimate appropriate minimum legal size (MLS) values for the scarce A. berda population on the Indian coast to ensure sustainable stocks. During the study period, it was observed that the A. berda fishery was sustained by fish ranging from 10.4 cm total length (TL) to 38.4 cm TL and in weight from 75 g to 1531 g. Analysis revealed that, in order to protect this important resource, being a protandrous hermaphrodite, a catch restriction with a MLS of at least 29 cm is necessary to allow the matured fish to spawn at least once, so that the stock can be conserved. Future research should focus on continuous monitoring and assessment of the fishery of the species for adapting suitable management practices for protecting the stock.

A 300-day grow-out experiment was performed in circular floating marine cages of 100 m(3) volume to assess the effect of different stocking densities on the growth, stress physiology, muscle nutritional composition, and economic profitability of Indian pompano, Trachinotus mookalee. The hatchery-produced fingerlings (>20.0 g) were stocked in cages in triplicate at four different stocking densities, 15 (SD-1), 20 (SD-2), 25 (SD-3), and 30 (SD-4) numbers/m(3). The fish were fed a commercial floating pellet feed (40 % crude protein and 10 % crude lipid) at a frequency of 4-3 times daily and a rate of 5.0-1.5 % of body weight. Growth monitoring was at 30-day intervals; serum biochemical assay was performed on the 30th, 150th, and 270th days of culture (DOC); and muscle biochemical composition was carried out at 270 DOC. Mean final weight and absolute growth rate were significantly higher in SD-1 (848.0 +/- 25.57 g and 2.75 +/- 0.08 g/day) and low in SD-4 (748.33 +/- 19.72 g and 2.41 +/- 0.07 g/day). Survival was significantly lower in SD-4 (87.87 +/- 0.97 %), due to mortality caused by parasitic infestation. Total harvested biomass was significantly higher in SD-4 (1999 +/- 72.77 kg/cage) and SD-3 (1861 +/- 27.72 kg/cage), in comparison to SD-1 (1216 +/- 49.05 kg/cage). The concentrations of stress indicators (serum glucose, cortisol, and heat shock protein-70) were significantly higher in SD-4 on 270 DOC; and for all stocking densities, values increased with progression of culture duration. Significantly lower lipid and low energy-providing fatty acid (palmitic) were observed in fish muscles at SD-4 (3.4 +/- 0.26 % and 16.95 +/- 1.17 %) than in SD-1 (4.41 +/- 0.23 % and 29.42 +/- 0.85 %), indicating that the fish utilized higher energy at higher stocking density. A higher net operating income ($2887.71) and annual rate of return to capital (50.36 %) in SD-3 indicated greater economic profitability. For other stocking densities, net operating income and annual rate of return to capital varied from $1795.72 to $2695.27 and 24.86-45.87 %. Considering all production traits, the present study recommends sea cage culture of Indian pompano at a density of 25 nos./m(3), with a maximum carrying capacity of up to 18.61 kg/m(3). This study forms the first comprehensive report on sea cage farming of Indian pompano for sustainable mariculture operations.

Successful captive seed production of the recently identified sparid, Sparidentex jamalensis , is a significant achievement for its farming and conservation. In each breeding attempt, a male with oozing milt was paired with a female freshly implanted with an LHRH-a pellet (100 mu g LHRH Kg -1 of fish). Oocyte diameter of the selected female was ranging from 420 to 470 mu m. The pair was maintained in a rectangular fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) tank (3000 L ) adequately aerated from a single point aeration. Over three consecutive days, the fish spawned in batches, commencing from 42 h after pellet implantation. The daily spawning fraction of this multiple spawner ranged from 0.179 to 1.123 million per female. Among 18 attempts, successful spawnings were observed in 12 (66.7%) instances. Fertilisation rates ranged between 82 and 88%, with hatching percentages varying from 76 to 84%. The embryonic developmental phase spanned 17 to 22 h. At the pre-flexion stage [13 days post hatch (dph)], larvae measured up to 4.2 +/- 0.18 mm, with notochord flexion initiating on 15 dph (8.45 +/- 1.2 mm), accompanied by marked development in dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Completion of fin ray formation and initiation of scale and lateral line development commenced on 30 dph (21.1 +/- 0.3 mm) indicating the metamorphosis of larvae to juveniles. By 40 dph (28.46 +/- 3.8 mm), the advance juvenile displayed fully formed fins, silvery scales and a distinct lateral line. Rapid developments in total length, body girth, mouth opening, and eye diameter were particularly noticeable as flexion development neared completion (15 dph). During larval rearing, three critical phases were observed: the period from mouth opening to first feeding (3 to 5 dph), the weaning period (25 to 30 dph), and the metamorphosis phase (35 to 40 dph), each exhibiting distinct mortality patterns. Initial swim bladder inflation was observed before 13 dph (4.2 +/- 0.18 mm). Co-feeding copepod nauplii and rotifer (3 numbers mL -1 each) emerged as the ideal feeding strategy during the initial phase, significantly enhancing survival rates. The final larval survival at the end of metamorphosis on 40 dph ranged between 3.8 and 6.2%. Notably, natural light exposure, with a diurnal variation from 1000 to 4000 lx near the water surface, played a pivotal role in improving the initial larval survival.

The blue economy, encompassing sustainable utilization of coastal and oceanic resources, has gained global significance in the context of the developing discourse on economic growth and environmental conservation in ocean-based economies. This article delves into the multifaceted realm of India's fisheries and coastal aquaculture sectors, exploring their status, challenges and prospects through the lens of the 'blue growth' narrative. Various enabling factors, such as technological advancements, governance improvements, market and policy incentives, and investment strategies are discussed that can catalyse a smooth transition of India's marine capture fisheries and aquaculture to align with the blue developmental agenda.

A 50-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the nutraceutical effect of a phospholipid, egg yolk lecithin (EYL) on juvenile silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii). The initial weight of the fish was (14.32 ± 0.12) g. The different dietary supplementation levels of EYL included 0

Food and feeding habits of the commercially important marine ornamental fish Abudefduf vaigiensis from the Gulf of Mannar were evaluated. Analysis of gut contents indicated that A. vaigiensis is an omnivorous fish, feeding on any available food item in its environment, such as seaweeds, cladocerans, copepods and insects. Most of the sampled fishes had either quarter-full or half-full or three-fourth full stomachs. The index of preponderance indicated seaweeds as the preferred food item among majority of length classes except for those falling within the 80-89 and 100-109 length classes, in which a preference towards copepods was observed. On a monthly basis, seaweed Spongomorpha sp. emerged as the predominant food item. Gastro-somatic index (GaSI) for males recorded the highest value in July (1.20) and lowest (0.36) in November, while that of females recorded the highest value in July (0.95) and lowest value (0.47) in January. Hepato-somatic index (HSI) of females recorded the highest in December (2.01) and lowest in July (0.83), while that of males recorded the highest value in January (1.25) and lowest in September (0.81). Gonadosomatic index (GSI) in females recorded maximum in February (4.23) and lowest in June (1.32) while that of males recorded the highest value in February (0.85) and lowest value in July (0.35). The results of the study indicate that adopting seasonal regulatory measures is essential for sustainable exploitation of the species, since their trade relies on wild collection. The study also revealed a negative correlation between the feeding patterns of these fish and their reproductive development. Keywords: Abudefduf vaigiensis, Feeding intensity, Gastro-somatic index, Gonadosomatc index, Hepato-somatic index

Morphological changes during metamorphosis from larvae to juvenile stage vary considerably among teleosts. Metamorphosis in Acanthopagrus berda, a commercially important sparid, recorded using simple microscopy in captivity, revealed progressive changes in pigmentation, band formation, development of fins, and other morphological features. Larvae on 2 day post hatch [dph] (2—3 mm total length [TL]) exhibited an open mouth and pigmented eyes, and on 12 dph (6—7 mm TL), notochord flexion initiated with marked development in dorsal, anal and caudal fin formation. Larvae on 8 dph (3—4 mm TL) exhibited an initial internal pigmentation in the buccal cavity and 10 dph larvae were observed with an initial external pigmentation on the cephalic region. On 22 dph (11—12 mm TL), vertical band formation was initiated at the anterior portion of the larval body and proceeded posteriorly. The sequence of fin formation was in the order of pectoral, caudal, dorsal and anal fins, followed by the pelvic fin. On 45 dph (25—28 mm TL) miniature adult with fully formed silvery scales and lateral line emerged in captivity. TL bared a positive correlation with the larvae's vertical mouth opening and eye diameter. The coefficient of variation in body weight of the fish has reduced from 38 to 25% from larvae to juvenile. Information on the metamorphosis of the larvae of the species will help to act as an identification key for planktonic larvae collected from the natural environment.

Lobsters are one of the premium ocean resources and a highly sought-after seafood commodity globally. The increasing demand for spiny lobsters in both domestic and international markets has led to a growing interest in mariculture as a means of meeting demand. Capture-based mariculture (CBM) by the coastal communities is the only way to cater the existing demand. However, there is scant published information and continued ambiguity on the viability of spiny lobster aquaculture in the Indian subcontinent and a similar gap exists in countries engaged in lobster fattening. Thus, to bridge the gap between the viability information and CBM stakeholders, we examined the profitability and economic performance of mud spiny lobster, Panulirus polyphagus, production in open sea farming systems, specifically sea cages. Our analysis focused on economic indicators such as input costs and return value. We found that the estimated annual revenue for a single operation was USD $3605.04, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 33% and a net present value (NPV) of USD $1226.17, demonstrating profitability. Despite this, certain bottlenecks such as limited seedstock and feed availability and cost concerns, disease management issues, regulatory complexities, market demand fluctuations limit the expansion of the industry beyond a certain threshold. This study provides useful information for enterprise building and developing better strategies for building food security and supporting traditional communities-oriented commercial lobster farming in India, and potentially in other lobster farming nations as well.

Mariculture, a sustainable and rapidly growing aquaculture sub-sector, meets global seafood demand while reducing strain on wild fish stocks and continues to expand worldwide. However, rising feed and seed costs pose significant challenges, overshadowing other farming expenses. Climate change exacerbates the profitability of sea cage farming, increasing volatility. The surge in fishmeal costs has a detrimental impact on operational expenditure (Opex) and continues to be a threat. Consequently, sea cage farming in India is at a critical juncture, needing a balance between technological advancements and stakeholders' fiscal needs. In this context, this study examines peer-reviewed synthesized data by employing metrics to evaluate the implications of feed and seed costs in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) sea cage farming over a 10-year horizon. The total sales revenue over the 10-year period was US $100,848, with a net profit of US $55,198.89. A 30% increase in feed and seed prices significantly altered the economic dynamics of the enterprise, leading to an 8.8 and 9.2% rise in the respective break-even points. There was also a significant effect on the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), with a 30% increase in each factor resulting in a 10 and 18% change in the projected BCR, respectively. Therefore, the significance of feed and seed cost has been established, necessitating an inevitable shift from low-value fish to formulated feed adaption for sustainable mariculture development. The study suggests improvements to existing practices to maximize efficiency and minimize production costs.

Sea cage farming in marine open waters is considered as the most viable technique in Indianmariculture to enhance production. Owing to the support of the government in researchand development, and policy initiatives, marine cage farming is progressing steadily in thecountry. Technological guidance from research institutions and financing under the ambitious“Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)” and blue growth mission objectives haveinspired stakeholders and fisheries administrators in maritime states to explore open seacage culture. Site selection is a key parameter affecting the success of cage culture systemsand, technically analysed geo-referenced demarcation of spatial information is necessaryfor minimising the risks. Thus, in the light of rising demand for spatial allocation of coastalareas, the present study identifies and aggregates locations within 3 km of the coastline,that have the potential for sea cage farming operations in the country. The site suitabilitywas examined based on optimal standards required for the prospective candidate speciesselected for mariculture in India. The locations were vectorised in a GIS platform, and thepotential areas available for sea cage installations were demarcated. An optimised sitesuitability schema was developed for the spatial demarcation of potential site selection.The preliminary results identified 134 sites covering a total area of 46,823.2 ha suitablefor marine cage culture along Indian territorial waters. Among the coastal states, the topthree states holding the maximum area suitable for sea cage farming are Andhra Pradesh(11,792 ha), Gujarat (11,572.2 ha) and Tamil Nadu (7,673 ha). It is envisaged that spatialsuitability demarcation even on this pilot scale will accelerate the expansion of sea cagefarming in the country. Keywords:GIS Mapping, Mariculture, PMMSY, Sea cage farming, Site suitability, Spatial planning

Tentoriceps Whitley 1948 is a monotypic genus in Trichiuridae family. The present article reports the first occurrence of the sole species in this genus, the crested hairtail, T. cristatus from Goa. The morphometric and genetic study based on the three specimens landed at Cutbona jetty, Goa confirmed the occurrence of this species in this region. The species is characterized by an extremely elongate and strongly compressed, ribbon-like body. The dorsal profile of the head is evenly convex. The species lacks a caudal fin, and the short pectoral fin does not reach the lateral line, which runs more closely to ventral profile. The morphometric measurements and meristic counts of the specimens were also compared with previous reports. The COI sequences generated from the specimen showed 99.85% identity to T. cristatus with 99% query coverage. The study confirms the distribution of this species in the central west coast region (Goa) along with their previous record in southwest and northwest coast of India.

This study undertakes a comprehensive assessment of selected mariculture enterprises in the coastal regions of India, centered on long-term sustainability as the key focus. This is juxtaposed against India's ambitious blue economy targets and policy thrust that pin on the expansion of mariculture as a promising avenue for enhancing marine fish production. Farm-level, region-specific, techno-economic, and socio-cultural factors associated with, and conditional on, sustainable intensification of mariculture-based production systems are examined in detail. The Principles-Criteria-Indicators (PCI) approach is used to establish the linkage between identified farm-level indicators and various dimensions of sustainability. While the selected enterprises were assessed to be technically and economically viable in general, glaring gaps were evident on key indicators of sustainability such as the legitimacy of access over water bodies, use of quality seed and feed, institutional credit access, market access, and fair marketing practices, optimal stocking density, mechanization, use of renewable energy, adoption of environmental-friendly culture practices, farm surveillance, crew safety, and social protection. This indicates the need for taking proactive measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of mariculture, particularly in the initial stages of establishment when such interventions are easy to adopt. Based on the insights obtained from the analysis, a broad set of strategies, policy options, and institutional interventions critical to scaling-up coastal mariculture enterprises along the east and west coasts of India are presented.

Standardization of seed production of the Picnic seabream, Acanthopagrus berda, was taken up in captivity. Broodstock development of A. berda was done in 6 m diameter galvanized iron cages during September 2020 to March 2021 using commercial feed (40% protein) supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Males with oozing milt were available consistently throughout the period while asynchronized maturation of female was observed. A pair of mature male and a female (oocyte diameter of 440 +/- 12 mu m) were induced using a dose of (0.25 ml kg(-1)) gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue and female was given a similar second dose after 6 h. Spawning occurred after 42 h of induction. Eggs were incubated in fibre glass tanks (100 L) in seawater (34 ppt) with gentle aeration. Number of eggs spawned was 0. 25 million with a fertilization rate of 88% and hatching rate of 80%. Planktonic larvae measured total length (TL) 1.7 +/- 0.14 mm at 0 day post-hatch (dph), started exogenous feeding from 3 dph (TL 2.7 +/- 0.48 mm) when the mouth size was 180 +/- 2.8 mu m. Yolk sac was completely exhausted by 3 dph. Co-feeding of rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis at 5 numbers (nos) ml(-1) and nauplii of copepod (Parvocalanus crassirostris) at 3 nos ml(-1) yielded better initial larval survival. Metamorphosis of the larvae started at 25 dph (TL12 +/- 0.68 mm) and juveniles emerged from 35 dph (TL 22 +/- 0.76 mm). This is the first holistic report about seed production of A. berda.

Present study evaluated the impacts of adult density on key biological parameters of a tropical estuarine calanoid copepod A. tropica. Egg production, egg hatching success (EHS), adult mortality (%), nauplii cannibalism (% hour(-1)), population growth and intrinsic rate of population increase in response to five different adult densities viz. 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 adults/L were assessed. The highest individual egg production (IEP, eggs/female/day) was recorded at 125 adults/L treatment while relative egg production (REP, eggs/L/day) was highest at 1000 adults/L. EHS (24 h and 48 h) showed significant difference (p < 0.05) among the treatments with highest EHS recorded at 125 adults/L treatment and lowest EHS recorded at 2000 adults/L treatment. Moreover, the adult mortality and nauplii cannibalism were negatively correlated to adult density with significantly highest cumulative adult mortality (65 + 3) and nauplii cannibalism (4.49 + 0.27) recorded at 2000 adults/L. The highest population count after 8 days culture was recorded at 2000 adults/L treatment. However the lowest intrinsic rate of whole, live and adult population increase after 8 days culture was recorded at 2000 adults/L treatment. It is also observed that the population with an initial adult density of 2000/L decreases to a new stable equilibrium of 1000 adults/L after 8 days culture. Our results suggest to maintain A. tropica at a density of 1000 adults/L in batch culture with daily harvest of eggs and nauplii to maximise its productivity as live feed in aquaculture hatcheries.