Important Facts For Prelims
Ornamental Fish Aquaculture
- 03 Mar 2023
- 2 min read
Why in News?
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is providing technical support to provide intensive training to islanders of Lakshadweep for Ornamental Fish Aquaculture.
What is Ornamental Fish Aquaculture?
- Ornamental fish culture is the culture of attractive, colourful fishes of various characteristics, which are reared in a confined aquatic system.
- Farmers and hobbyists mainly grow it and these fish are also known as living jewels.
What is this Initiative about?
- About:
- A total of 82 islanders, including 77 women, underwent training for an experimental initiative aimed at promoting self-reliance through community aquaculture.
- The NBFGR provided support and supplies for capacity building, including culture devices and shrimp/clownfish seeds.
- Four community aquaculture units involving 46 women were created and have successfully raised ornamental shrimps to marketable size.
- NBFGR also maintains a germplasm resource center on Agatti Island for marine ornamental organism conservation and as a livelihood source for islanders.
- Significance:
- Limited resources on the island, mostly in the form of coconut and tuna fish make it important.
- During the monsoon season, fishing virtually comes to a halt, shutting out a key economic activity.
- However, ornamental fish aquaculture is expected to sustain the rhythm of economic life in the islands.
What is ICAR-NBFGR?
- ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) was established in December 1983 at Allahabad.
- It was established under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- It aims to undertake research related to the conservation of fish germplasm resources of the country.
