Policy framework for cage culture sought

Experts have called for a policy framework for supporting open sea and brackish water cage culture in the country.

Speaking at an international workshop on cage culture, organised by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, the Asian Fisheries Society and the Indian Council for Agriculture Research, fisheries expert P. Ravichandran stressed the need for a regulatory policy for mariculture in India.

Clear policy

Jacob Joseph of National University for Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi, felt that a clear policy on the use of non-indigenous species in cage culture was required.

A legal framework for development of aquaculture and cage culture in the country encompassing the stakeholders, sites, impacts on local communities and environment and also developing a way for licensing system for cage culture was suggested at the meeting.