ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) organized an awareness programme on brackishwater ornamental fish breeding for coastal families in one of the aspirational districts Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu in collaboration with Rameswaram Sigaram Fish Farmer Producing Organization (RSFFPO), Rameswaram, under the Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan (SCSP) and the All-India Network Project on Ornamental Fish Breeding and Culture (AINP-OFBC) On 21st November 2024. Ten Scheduled Caste families from the region participated in the event, which focused on unlocking the potential of the brackishwater ornamental fish trade as a viable livelihood option. Dr. P. Mahalakshmi, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer of SCSP, elaborated on the technologies developed by ICAR-CIBA to support coastal communities and assured participants of continued technological assistance to facilitate their adoption. She highlighted that Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA, emphasized the importance of establishing a brackishwater ornamental fish breeding unit in Ramanathapuram. Dr. Dani Thomas, Scientist and Principal Investigator of AINP-OFBC provided an in-depth explanation of breeding technologies for key brackishwater ornamental species, including silver moony (Monodactylus argenteus) and spotted scat (Scatophagus argus). Complementing this, Dr. Sandeep K.P., Scientist, discussed the economic opportunities associated with breeding different brackishwater ornamental fish species in the district’s villages. Smt. Rajeshwari and Shri Tamil Selvaraj, Directors of RSFFPO, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting the implementation of ornamental fish breeding initiatives in Ramanathapuram. The event, coordinated by Dr. P. Mahalakshmi, Dr. Sandeep K.P., and Dr. Dani Thomas, concluded with a renewed focus on empowering coastal families through innovative aquaculture practices. This initiative by ICAR-CIBA underscores its dedication to uplifting coastal communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods through advanced aquaculture technologies.
