Scientists at the Mangalore Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute have successfully demonstrated Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) in Panchagangavali, Swarna River, Seetha Suvarna, and Yedamavina Hole of Tallur, Paduthonse Koderi, and Tharapathi villages in Udupi district. Sponsored by the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, this project promotes farming of various aquaculture species at different trophic levels, utilizing the waste and by-products of one species as resources for another.
The demonstration included silver pompano, Indian pompano, and green mussel culture, resulting in inclusive growth and livelihood opportunities for marginalized communities. Beneficiaries received comprehensive hands-on training in cage and raft fabrication, fish seed stocking, feeding, and maintenance. Seeds for silver and Indian pompano were procured from marine finfish hatcheries in Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam during December 2023.
After a five-month grow-out period, partial harvests yielded 475 kg of fish and 150 ropes of mussels, which were sold locally at competitive prices. The research team, led by Rajesh KM, included scientists Sujitha Thomas, Dineshbabu, Sunil Kumar Ail, technical officer GD Nataraja, and research scholar Darshan KS.
