Family farming model in brackishwater aquaculture for livelihood support of communities living around Adyar Creek and Estuary

Abstract

Adyar creek is one of the primary and vibrant estuarine ecosystems of Chennai. In 1950s Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Tamil Nadu was involved in the setting up fish and shrimp farms adjacent to the creek. But in later years with the urbanisation of Chennai, Adyar estuary has lost its pristine condition. In order to restore the ecology of Adyar estuary, Govt. of Tamil Nadu has taken up eco-restoration activities of the creek under the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust, witnessing the rebirth of Adyar creek. At this point, since 2015, ICAR-CIBA has taken up the research cum demonstration work for the development of brackishwater aquaculture in the adyar creek water bodies. As per the existing literatures, the information about soil and water quality parameters, zooplankton and phytoplankton, and suitable aquaculture species for culture practices in adyar creek water bodies are almost non-existence. In view of this, effort has been made to provide the relevant and essential information regarding the culture practices which are suitable for these water bodies for the development of brackishwater aquaculture along with the involvement of self-help groups and coastal community through family faming model.