Problems and Prospects of Marine Ornamental Fish Trade in Kerala, India

Abstract

The scientific advancements in fish husbandry and aquarium technology coupled with its potential in earning foreign exchange have facilitated the growth of marine aquarium fishery sector across the globe. Nearly 2 million people worldwide are engaged in marine aquarium keeping, either for recreation or as a means of livelihood. However, with richmrnamental fish reserves especially in the south-east and south-west coastal areas, India's share is insignificant to the global export in ornamental fishery sector. In Kerala, there are very few studies reported on the marine ornamental fish trade and hence this study throws light on the status of ornamental fishery trade in Kerala, including availability of resources, demand for this sector, problems and constraints in keeping marine aquarium and suggestions for improving this sector. The present study was conducted in three districts of Kerala viz. Kozhikode, Emakulum and Thiruvananthapuram and two different sets of interview schedules were employed to draw information on the status of ornamental fishing industry in Kerala and were administered among 60 traders and 90 hobbyists. Results show that the scope and demand for marine aquarium trade in Kerala is very high. Furthermore, the study portrays the demand for sustainable approach in promoting marine ornamental fishery sector in order to provide livelihood options to the fisher folk and to earn foreign exchange for the State.