ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai signed an MOU with M/S. Aquatic Zone, Kolathur, Chennai for the collaborative programme on Artemia production using Brine from Desalinization unit on 16th November 2015. Valuing the comprehensive expertise in Artemia production available at CIBA, M/S Aquatic Zone, a partnership firm, sought for a collaborative programme and entered into an MOU with CIBA. Being located at Kolathur, the hub of ornamental fish rearing, the firm is having good market access to sell Artemia as biomass to aquaculturists. Adult Artemia biomass also could be sold as freeze dried to shrimp hatcheries located near Chennai.
Dr. K.K. Vijayan, Director, CIBA highlighted the significance of the Artemia species and its importance, and our dependence on import of Artemia cyst, and highlighted the opportunity for developing local strains. He also stressed the usefulness of Artemia in the salt pan as filter feeders and possible role in improving the quality of salt produced in saltpans. Dr Gopal, CCD & Team Leader of this program highlighted the opportunity in this collaboration and applauded the firm for taking initiative which will help in producing Artemia biomass locally.
Initially, Dr T. Ravisankar, PS and SIC, ITMU, welcomed the gathering and gave a brief about the MoU being signed for Artemia production and Dr P.K.Patil, Senior Scientist gave the vote of thanks.
