Species prioritization in aqauculture.pptx

Species prioritization is the process of identifying and ranking species based on conservation urgency, ecological importance, and vulnerability. It guides resource allocation, protection efforts, and management strategies to preserve biodiversity effectively and prevent extinction.

1. National Workshop on “Species Prioritization in Aquaculture and Genetic Improvement” Subhasrita Nayak Research Scholar ICAR-CIFA

2. Setting the stage for sustainable aquaculture in India India, the second-leading producer of freshwater fish globally, boasts vast aquatic resources and rich fish biodiversity. With 3,247 indigenous fish species, fisheries and aquaculture are crucial for nutritional security and economic upliftment as aquaculture production heavily relies on a few species This workshop addresses the critical need to re-prioritize species for both commercial farming and conservation. Despite this diversity, a limited number of species, primarily Indian major carps and domesticated exotics, dominate aquaculture production, contributing over 76% of the total output. Introduction

3. Globally, 730 aquatic species are farmed, but production is highly concentrated. The top 17 species account for ~60% of global output. In India (2022), of the 10.23 million tonnes total aquaculture production from 26 species: The top 6 species contribute 8.16 million tonnes (nearly 79.8%). Freshwater aquaculture dominates at 88.27% of total production. This concentration highlights the urgent need for strategic diversification. Top 6 Species Other 20 Species Global status - overview

4. India’s status- Current landscape Dominance and diversification in Indian aquaculture 76% Contribution of Carps IMCs (Catla, Rohu and Mrigal) and domesticated exotics (Silver carp, Grass carp and Common Carp) dominate aquaculture production. Despite vast fish diversity, Cyprinids have historically dominated freshwater culture systems. However, the last 25 years have seen the emergence of several promising indigenous and exotic species. Emerging Species: Indigenous minor carps, catfishes (magur, pabda), freshwater prawn, silver barb, striped catfish, tilapia, and red-bellied pacu. High-Value Entrants: Murrel, koi and Singhi Singhi are are also entering culture systems and gaining traction, especially in high-density biofloc and RAS systems. Coldwater and upland fisheries : Emphasis on stocking golden and chocolate mahseers. Exotic trout and common carp are established. Seed production for indigenous species like mahseers and snow trouts is standardized but needs wider adoption. .

5. India’s aquatic wealth: An untapped potential 962 freshwater species 1,569 marine species Diverse brackishwater and transitional species Despite this diversity, the aquaculture sector is dominated by a mere handful of species, primarily Cyprinids, particularly Indian major carps (catla, rohu, mrigal) and exotic carps, contributing over 76% of production. Global Leader: 2nd largest producer of freshwater fish worldwide. Rich Biodiversity: India is home to an astounding 3,247 indigenous fish species out of 35,797 reported globally. This includes: Diverse Habitats: Includes freshwater, brackishwater, and marine species, with many transitioning between environments. Socio-Economic Impact: Fisheries and aquaculture are crucial for nutritional security and rural economic upliftment.

6. Brackishwater and marine aquaculture frontier Expanding horizons beyond traditional farming Brackishwater aquaculture Marine aquaculture (Mariculture) Potential: Marine capture fisheries are nearing their maximum potential yield of 5.18 million tonnes . Mariculture production is currently less than 0.1 million tonnes , despite a potential of 4.0-8.0 million tonnes annually. . Emerging Opportunities: Edible oysters, pearl oyesters , mussels (green and brown), clams, and seaweed cultivation, especially Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria edulis, is also gaining emphasis. Closed Life Cycles: Indian pompano, orange-spotted grouper, pink-ear sea bream, John’s snapper, and exotic cobia successfully farmed in cages. Area: Over 1.0 million ha potential culture area, with 7.0 million ha in inland saline areas. Current Focus: Largely confined to shrimp farming (90% L. vannamei ( Pacific white shrimp ) ), producing 1.0 million tonnes from 0.17 million ha . Challenges: Frequent disease outbreaks and environmental concerns demand diversification and shift to alternative species New Finfish: Milkfish, grey mullet, pearl-spot, mangrove red snapper, and Nona tengra are being explored, often in co-culture with shrimp..

7. Guiding research and policy for growth Strategic prioritization Prioritization of fish species involves a systematic evaluation based on biological, ecological, economic, and social criteria. This process is vital for sustainable aquaculture development and conservation. Commercial farming potential Identifying species with high growth rates, adaptability to culture conditions, disease resistance, and market demand. Conservation and diversification Promoting farming of native and threatened species to reduce pressure on wild stocks and enhance system resilience. Nutritional security and livelihoods Exploring underutilized or regionally important species to contribute to food security and rural economic upliftment. A structured approach ensures better decision-making, guiding research, policy, and investment for long-term aquaculture growth in India across fresh, marine, and brackishwater sectors.

8. Evolving priorities in a changing world The last national consultation on species prioritisation held in September 2011 focused primarily on freshwater species and conservation, identifying 62 species- 43 for immediate attention (within 10 years), 19 for a second phase . However, the aquaculture sector's priorities have shifted dramatically in the last decade and a half. Global food security Meeting the increasing demand for quality and safe fish protein. Climate change adaptation Addressing the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. Biodiversity conservation Protecting indigenous species and promoting sustainable practices. Water scarcity Developing aquaculture systems resilient to water resource challenges. Need for species reprioritization in aquaculture

9. Why prioritize? Strategic importance of species prioritization Focused research Guides R&D efforts for optimal resource allocation and accelerates development of new species. Diversification Reduces reliance on a few dominant species, enhancing system resilience and sustainability. Biodiversity conservation Promotes farming of native and threatened species for ex-situ conservation, easing pressure on wild stocks. Economic growth Supports nutritional security and rural livelihoods through increased production and market value. A structured prioritization framework ensures better decision-making for long-term aquaculture growth, addressing climate change, biodiversity, and water scarcity. Sustainable development Reduces pressure on wild stocks by promoting farmed alternatives. Resilience and food security Diversifies production, reducing reliance on few species and enhancing system resilience.

10. Key considerations for species prioritization Biological Features: Growth rate, reproductive biology, feeding habits, disease resistance, adaptability to culture conditions. Environmental Tolerance: Water quality, temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen limits. Culture Potential: Suitability for various systems (ponds, cages, biofloc, RAS, IMTA), mono/polyculture compatibility. Seed Production Status: Established hatchery technology, year-round availability, broodstock management. Market & Economic Value: Domestic and export demand, price trends, value addition potential. Nutritional Value: Protein, fat, omega-3, vitamins, minerals, and overall health benefits. Ecological & Biosecurity: Risk of escape, competition, genetic pollution, disease introduction, water quality impact. Socio-Economic & Policy Fit: Farmer acceptance, livelihood enhancement, alignment with national policies. A systematic evaluation across biological, ecological, economic and social criteria is crucial.

11. Genomics offers a powerful toolset for the precise and efficient improvement of fish stocks. Global demand for fish protein is rising, and genomics provides the key to sustainable productivity. Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS): Uses DNA markers for desirable traits like flesh quality and disease resistance, a key factor for consumer preference . ICAR-CIFA Success: Released 14th generation of fast-growing Rohu strain "Jayanti" with 18% genetic gain, showing improved flesh quality and disease resistance. MAS enables breeders to develop fish strains that meet consumer demands and contribute to industry sustainability and profitability. ICAR-CIFA also has a selective breeding program for Catla, producing its 4th generation. Genetic Improvement & Genomics Revolutionizing fish productivity

12. Key prioritization criteria Factors for deliberation Species Identity: Scientific, common, and local names; taxonomic classification. Geographical Origin & Distribution: Native/exotic status, natural habitat, global farming regions. Biological Features: Feeding/reproductive biology, growth rate, production attractiveness, culture limitations. Environmental Parameters: Water/soil quality tolerance (temperature, pH, salinity, DO). Culture Potential & Farming Avenue: Suitable systems (ponds, cages, biofloc, RAS), mono/polyculture compatibility. Seed Production Status: Hatchery technology, year-round production, broodstock availability, nursery rearing requirements. Market Demand & Economic Value: Domestic demand, price trends, export potential, value addition. Nutritional Value: Protein, fat, micronutrients (omega-3, vitamins, minerals), health benefits. Climate & Environmental Adaptability: Tolerance to fluctuations, disease resistance, resilience in stressed environments. Ecological & Biosecurity Considerations: Potential risks (escape, competition, genetic pollution), disease introduction, water quality impact. Socio-economic & Policy Fit: Farmer acceptance, livelihood enhancement, alignment with national/state policies. Disease or Stress Bearing Capacity: Occurrence of diseases, pathogen carrier status, host range.

13. Expected Outcomes & Roadmap Shaping the future of Indian aquaculture The workshop's final session will synthesize deliberations into an actionable roadmap for implementation, focusing on short-, medium-, and long-term priorities. Actionable roadmap Detailed plans for broodstock development, seed production, farmer training, and market readiness, with institutional roles, timelines, and resource mobilization. Strengthened collaborations Platforms for joint research, seed distribution and knowledge sharing among farmers, hatcheries, research bodies, and policymakers. Policy recommendations Recommendations to central and state governments on incentives for diversification, conservation, selective breeding, financing, and climate-resilient species. Emphasis will also be placed on infrastructure development, export potential, and farmer access to credit, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainable aquaculture growth in India.