Low input-based brackishwater shellfish and finfish polyculture models for coastal communities: A Gujarat perspective

Abstract

Polyculture is the farming of two or more species of finfish or shellfish within the same farming system and the combination of the species are made of the basis of their feeding behaviour, ecological niche, compatibility and increased revenue to the farmer. Polyculture is widely acclaimed as a sustainable model for any form of aquaculture. Polyculture of fish, shrimp and mud crabs have been widely accepted as sustainable farming model in brackishwater aquaculture. Polyculture of shrimp with milkfish is a common farming practice in most of the Southeast Asian countries wherein both species are mutually benefited and farmer is able to obtain maximum increased production and profitability.