Coastal aquaculture in Tamil Nadu has expanded steadily from a traditional activity to reach the present commercial scale.
Litopenaeus vannamei, commonly known as the White leg shrimp, is one of the most widely farmed shrimp species globally, and its culture has become highly significant in Tamil Nadu’s coastal aquaculture industry since its introduction in 2008. Known for its fast growth and adaptability to various farming conditions, L.vannamei has contributed significantly to the shrimp farming sector in Tamil Nadu, driving both production and export growth.
The overall aquaculture shrimp production from the country during 2023-24 was 11.61 lakh MT and Tamil Nadu ranks 5th in the shrimp production in the country contributing 41,000 MT. At present, 2,401 shrimp farms in an area of 4,626.09 ha have been registered under Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA).
Resource mapping study of Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture (CIBA) identified that 10,088 ha suitable for aquaculture in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, there is a good scope for coastal aquaculture in Tamil Nadu.
The Government has framed guidelines for regulating culture of L. vannamei farming outside the jurisdiction of Coastal Aquaculture Authority vide G.O. (Ms). No. 05, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare (FS4-1) Department, dated. 29.01.2024.
In order to promote shrimp culture, the Government has accorded administrative sanction to the tune of Rs.24.94 crore for the Construction of Bio floc ponds for brackish water aquaculture including inputs and Construction of new ponds for brackish water aquaculture including inputs under State and Union Government funding.
In order to promote pond based Sea bass culture, the Government of Tamil Nadu had issued financial sanction for Rs. 95.42 lakhs under Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) for Demonstration of Pond-based Sea bass technology to Aqua Entrepreneurs. Demonstration of Sea bass culture technologies is being implemented in Cuddalore, Thanjavur and Ramanathapuram Districts.
