60 DECEMBER 2024 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG algae under controlled and favorable conditions (Boyd et al. 2020). This manuscript dives into the intricate process of mariculture, embarking on a journey to uncover its vast potential in mitigating food security concerns, preserving the rich tapestry of marine biodiversity, and ushering in a new era for the aquaculture sector in India. We examine the pivotal factors governing site selection in mariculture, drawing a delicate balance between economic imperatives and environmental safeguards. The discussion extends to the nuanced art of species prioritization, where we decipher the intricate web of economic viability, environmental harmonization, and technological innovation. As India stands at the crossroads of burgeoning seafood demand and a pressing need for ecological responsibility, this work serves as a guiding compass. It not only elucidates the critical role mariculture plays but also offers a roadmap for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders eager to tread the path of sustainable and secure seafood production. The insights herein are a testament to our commitment to harmonizing food security with environmental integrity, forging a path toward a seafood future that is both bountiful and ecologically resilient. Site Selection in Mariculture: Balancing Environmental and Economic Factors Site selection in mariculture is a critical step that entails careful consideration of environmental and economic factors (IUCN 2009). The chosen site should not only support successful mariculture operations but also minimize any adverse impacts on the surrounding ecosystem. Accessibility to essential services is another key aspect to consider during site selection. Several India, poised to become the world’s most populous nation by 2050, faces an unprecedented challenge in meeting the surging demand for seafood, estimated to reach 20.23 metric tonnes just in the sea-bordering states by that time. With wild fish catches stagnating around 4.5 metric tonnes, the marine fisheries sector is grappling with the task of providing at least 10 metric tonnes of seafood to sustain the burgeoning population. In this critical context, the significance of mariculture emerges as a pivotal solution to ensure food security (Ranjan et al. 2017). Historically, humanity has recognized the fundamental importance of agriculture for our survival (Wells and Stock 2020). We understand that we cannot solely rely on naturally occurring fruits, vegetables and cereals to meet our dietary needs; instead, we must actively cultivate the foods we require (FAO 2017). This principle holds true for fisheries and meat production as well. Overfishing and excessive exploitation of various fish species have led to a depletion of wild stocks, underscoring the imperative of nurturing and cultivating fish to meet the global demand for protein (FAO 2022, Ritchie and Roser 2021). Aquaculture has already established itself as a vital component of the global food supply chain, with numerous developed and developing countries successfully implementing aquaculture practices (FAO 2022). Mariculture plays a pivotal role in supplies of marine organisms and fish for both food and other essential animal products (Parappurathu et al. 2023). This can occur in designated sections of the open ocean, referred to as offshore mariculture, or in fish farms located in coastal waters, known as inshore mariculture. Additionally, mariculture can occur within artificial tanks, raceways, or ponds filled with seawater or onshore mariculture. It encompasses the farming of finfish, shellfish, and Mariculture: A Sustainable Solution to India’s Growing Seafood Demand Kiran K J and Prakash Saravanan FIGURE 3. Distribution of fish in various categories. FIGURE 1. Environmental criteria for site selection. FIGURE 2. Water quality criteria for site selection.
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