ICAR-CMFRI’s IMTA Practice in Kerala yields bumper harvest in Green Mussels

An experimental Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Practice on commercial scale undertaken by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Kerala proved to be a great success in Kerala. The integrated farming combined the production of finfishes in cages, green mussels & seaweed and yielded a bumper harvest of Green Mussels with a better growth rate. The practice combines the appropriate proportions of fish, filter feeding bivalves and seaweeds in farming for creating the balanced systems for environmental and economic stability.

As a part of its research initiative for developing a sustainable Cage Fish Farming Model suitable to Kerala’s ecosystem, the Institute initiated the programme in December - 2020 in in Moothakunnam in Ernakulam District under the participatory mode with fishermen. Yielding a production of around 1 Tonnes of Green Mussels from 150 Strings hung around 4 Fish Cages, the practice proved to be economically feasible and suitable to the state’s conditions. The individual Mussel grew to an average size of 72g that is a successful growth rate in Mussel farming.

The fishes inside the cages attained better growth and are due to harvest by the end of June. The growth of Seaweeds being cultivated around the cages also showed healthy progress.

Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director, ICAR-CMFRI stated that the Institute would take steps for popularizing the IMTA Practice across the coastal states of the country. The popularization of the innovative technology with the increasing trend of adoption of cage farming technology will help transform the lives of the coastal community.

(Source: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Kerala)