The Kerala government has released 20,000 pompano fingerlings (Trachinotus blochii) into the sea off Vizhinjam as part of a pioneering sea ranching initiative.

Sea ranching is a sustainable aquaculture method where young fish are initially raised in controlled hatcheries before being released into the ocean to mature naturally. This practice not only supports the local fishing industry but also helps restore marine biodiversity by enhancing fish stocks in coastal waters.

The release of these fingerlings marks the first phase of a project aimed at introducing 10 lakh pompano and cobia (motha) fingerlings at 10 locations along the Thiruvananthapuram coast. This effort, funded under the Rs 3-crore Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, is expected to replenish fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices for local communities.

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Pompano | Photo: https://eprints.cmfri.org.in/
Photo: https://eprints.cmfri.org.in/

Collaboration with Local Stakeholders
The sea ranching project is a collaborative effort involving the Kerala Fisheries Department, local fishermen, the Coast Guard, and the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation Ltd. (KSCADC). Artificial reefs, installed at 42 locations off 33 fishing villages, have already attracted a variety of marine species such as tuna, trevally, and mackerel, further enhancing the success of the initiative.

Expansion Plans for the Future
Following this successful launch, the Fisheries Department plans to expand the project in subsequent phases, targeting coastal regions across Kerala. The second phase will cover 96 villages in Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts with a budget of Rs 29.76 crore. A third phase is expected to include 96 villages in northern Kerala, ensuring the widespread benefits of this sea ranching initiative.