Commercial production of mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) has begun in Krishna estuary, exploring possibilities for mass production in the brackish water aqua ponds in Andhra Pradesh. In a bid to introduce an alternative species for Vannamei, the scientists of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI-Karwar in Karnataka) have started research a few years ago, intensifying their efforts to develop mangrove red snapper seed for commercial production. However, the commercial production of the species is yet to begin in the country.”Mr. Saida Rao opined that the species had high market value across India and speedy growth had been recorded. “At least 100 small-sized wild seed of mangrove red snapper has been collected from the Krishna estuary and its growth is impressive,” Mr. Raghu Sekhar said. “Farmers will focus on commercial production when institutions like the CMFRI promote mass cultivation by supplying the seed,” he said.

Source: The Hindu April 21, 2019 20:02 UTC