Brackishwater integrated fish farming system in pond- A Livelihood Model for Tribal Communities of Gujarat

Abstract

India is bestowed with a number of locally important cultivable brackishwater finfish species such as Asian seabass, Milkfish, Grey mullet, Pearlspot, Scat, Estuarine grouper, and Cobia, suitable for Brackishwater aquaculture. Diversification assumes significant importance in coastal aquaculture in India as presently, it mostly is limited to shrimp aquaculture alone. The tidal amplitude of the Gujarat coast is higher than other parts of the West Coast. This natural phenomenon had created vast stretches of marshy and saline lands all along the coast. The estimated brackishwater area in Gujarat is around 3,76,000 hectares with the potential area suitable for brackishwater aquaculture being about 83,340 hectares. Navsari District of Gujarat is blessed with abundant potential brackishwater resources which can be utilized for aquaculture for livelihood of coastal communities.