Climate smart carp hatchery: Bringing resilience to sustainable fish seed production

Abstract

Since climate change is disproportionately affecting the aquaculture sector, the conversion of Eco-carp hatcheries to climate smart carp hatchery will be a remarkable adaptation by developing countries that can aid the farmers to cope with the climate change scenario. The alterations in the monsoonal rain patterns due to climate change poses a major threat to the quantity and quality of aquaculture production by directly affecting the water availability for fish farming in the near future. There are 2198 eco-carp hatcheries and 417 fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) carp hatcheries are operating in India. Due to the lack of technical knowledge to hatchery managers/owners, these hatcheries are following the conventional techniques that are incapable of withstanding the climate change impact. A climate smart carp hatchery with more control over key water parameters (DO, pH and temperature), through important modifications like a cooling tower/chiller, sensor-based monitoring and slow sand filter for recirculation of water have the potential to sustain the aquaculture sector by ensuring continuous production and supply of quality carp seed irrespective of the climate change risk. The present article cites the limitations of eco-carp hatchery to meet the optimum water quality parameters for carp breeding under climate change scenarios and suggests the transformation of eco-carp hatchery to climate smart carp hatchery.