Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 5: The Secretary (Fisheries), A&N Administration, along with officials from the Department of Fisheries visited Chidiyatapu, South Andaman, to review the ongoing commercial open sea cage culture projects being undertaken in the Islands and to assess the progress of mariculture initiatives being implemented by private firms.
At present, two firms, namely M/s Aqua World Exports and M/s Canares Aquaculture LLP, are undertaking cage culture activities at Chidiyatapu at the leased sea area issued by the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The activities have been taken up with the objective of promoting mariculture, diversification of fisheries activities and sustainable utilization of marine resources in the Islands.
The cage culture project involves HDPE circular cages of 10-metre diameter under an open sea cage culture system. A total of 8 cages are available. The culture activity is focused on Asian Seabass (Barramundi), a commercially important marine finfish species.
During the visit, the Secretary reviewed the stocking, growth, feeding and cage management practices being followed by the firm. The project commenced with the initial stocking of approximately 20,000 Asian Seabass fingerlings on 30th May, 2026, with an initial size of about 1.5 inches (approximately 0.4 gram). At present, approximately fishes attained an average body weight of around 150 grams. The fish are being provided high-protein and high-fat feed, with the current feed requirement being approximately 20 kg per day.
The first batch is expected to reach harvest stage by April 2027, subject to the growth and culture conditions. The successful implementation of the project is expected to demonstrate the potential of open sea cage culture as a viable mariculture activity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and encourage greater participation in sustainable marine aquaculture.
The Secretary (Fisheries) also reviewed the operational aspects of cage management, including fish growth, feeding practices, stock maintenance and overall site management. The Department emphasized the importance of maintaining proper stocking density, regular monitoring of fish health and growth, scientific feeding practices, cage maintenance and adherence to prescribed environmental and biosecurity measures.
The Department of Fisheries is promoting mariculture activities in the Islands with the aim of enhancing fish production, improving livelihood opportunities for fisheries stakeholders and reducing pressure on wild marine fishery resources. The open sea cage culture initiative at Chidiyatapu represents an important step towards strengthening the mariculture sector and demonstrating the scope for technology-based and sustainable aquaculture practices in the Islands.
The Department of Fisheries is in the process of allotment of more sites for promotion of Mariculture in the form of open cage culture and seaweed culture, with emphasis on sustainable production, environmental responsibility and the long-term development of the fisheries sector. The visit was carried out as per the latest direction issued by Chief Secretary to Secretaries and Directors to make frequent field visit.