Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has successfully produced and transported around 1 lakh attached oyster spats, paving the way for tribal coastal communities to engage in profitable oyster farming in Maharashtra.
The initiative, in association with the Mangrove & Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation of Maharashtra, is aimed to empower tribal self-help groups with high-yield, eco-friendly oyster farming, leveraging hatchery-reared seeds to boost livelihoods while conserving natural ecosystems.
Oyster farming is a significant global industry, valued at more than $7 billion, with increasing demand in markets such as the US, Europe and Asia. Oysters are highly sought after for their nutritional benefits, including high protein content, essential minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.
M K Anil, CMFRI’s Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator of the project said: “Unlike traditional aquaculture, oyster farming is low-investment farming with no feeding involved and hence pollution is minimised. It is a high-return aquaculture practice that enables small-scale farmers to generate sustainable income.” With adequate support such as access to hatchery-produced seed, rural farmers can venture into profitable oyster farming, tapping into opportunities in both domestic and international markets, he added.
Anil also highlighted the potential of ‘remote setting,’ a cost-saving technique used in the US and Europe. This involves transporting oyster larvae instead of attached spat, significantly reducing transportation costs. The larvae can then be attached to shells at the destination, either on-site or at a central facility.