An overview of enclosure culture in inland open waters of India: Responding to socio-economic, ecological, and climate change issues in inland fisheries

Authors

  • D. Debnath ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Regional Centre, Guwahati – 781 006
  • B.K. Bhattacharjya ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Regional Centre, Guwahati – 781 006
  • S. Yengkokpam ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Regional Centre, Guwahati – 781 006
  • U.K. Sarkar ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata – 700 120
  • M.A. Hassan ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata – 700 120
  • A.K. Das ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata – 700 120
  • B.K. Das ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata – 700 120

Keywords:

cage aquaculture, pen aquaculture, climate resilience, floodplain wetlands, reservoirs

Abstract

Inland open-access fisheries of India are important resources that contribute significantly to the national economy while providing livelihood to millions. The majority of these resources are suitable for aquaculture, with a high potential for enhanced inland fish production. Enclosures (cages and pens) installed in such waters are useful for rearing fingerlings for enhancement programmes and table-fish production. Floating cages are most suitable for waterbodies vulnerable to occasional flooding, while pen enclosures installed in marginal areas of floodplain wetlands can be suitably reinforced to protect the fish during floods. Small indigenous fishes can be introduced into pens to increase their productivity. This paper reviews enclosure technologies in the inland open waters of India and discusses the socio-economic benefits, ecological advantages, and climate resilience of these technologies. These factors may encourage their adoption and lead to an increase in fish production in the large inland waters of India.

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Published

2021-10-01

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 4 (2021): Ecosystem health and fisheries of Indian inland waters: Ecology and socio-economics - Part 1 (AEHMS 12)

Section

Research article

License

Manuscripts must be original. They must not be published or be under consideration for publication elsewhere, in whole or in part. It is required that the lead author of accepted papers complete and sign the MSU Press AEHM Author Publishing Agreement and provide it to the publisher upon acceptance.