Also moots farming of GM species in closed systems
Kochi: A draft national policy on mariculture has mooted mariculture zones by demarcating special areas in the sea for activities such as cage farming, bivalve farming, pen culture, seaweed culture, hatcheries and nurseries based on scientific criteria.
The draft policy was formulated by an expert committee formed by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) with A Gopalakrishnan, Director of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), as Chairman.
The policy has also suggested farming of genetically modified (GM) species in closed mariculture systems.
“…the policy allows farming exotic and genetically modified species in closed mariculture systems after stringent risk assessment and monitoring,” the CMFRI said.
The document is now publicly available for comments from all stakeholders and interested groups.
The policy aims to enhance mariculture production in the country and increase income and employment opportunities in a sustainable way, in addition to promoting entrepreneurship by facilitating technical and financial inputs.
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