Guwahati: In a significant stride towards sustainable aquaculture, Gauhati University’s Aquaculture and Biodiversity Centre (ABC) has introduced an advanced floating fish culture cage, an initiative set to enhance local fish biodiversity and support livelihoods in Assam.
The innovative four-chambered cage, designed for fish stocking and rearing, was inaugurated on Thursday by Gauhati University Vice Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta. The project has received support from the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, marking a new chapter in Assam’s aquaculture development.
A floating cage system is an aquaculture structure for rearing and growing fish within an enclosed, submerged frame in natural water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. It comprises a floating framework with netted walls, creating an underwater “cage” that confines fish while allowing water to flow through. This natural water movement provides essential oxygen and helps remove waste, replicating a natural habitat while still controlling the fish population and density.
This efficient design supports fish farming without requiring additional land or artificial ponds, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Particularly beneficial for rural and coastal communities, floating cages aid in conserving native fish species, enhancing food security, and creating an income source, promoting sustainable aquaculture practices.
The cage installation at ABC is a part of efforts to bolster fish breeding and conservation of indigenous fish varieties. To start, the cages were stocked with seeds of Assam’s native fish species, including Labeo rohita, Labeo bata, Labeo calbasu, and Anabas testudineus, underlining the initiative’s focus on ecological preservation and sustainable growth in aquaculture.
To celebrate the launch, Gauhati University organized a one-day awareness and capacity-building program, attended by 40 stakeholders from eight villages in Udalguri district, including 22 women. The program focused on practical fish-farming skills and was supported by ICAR-NBFGR under the Biotech KISAN and NEH initiatives, aiming to empower local communities with scientific fish-farming techniques and income diversification strategies.
In his address, Prof. Mahanta acknowledged the cultural and economic importance of fish in Assamese tradition and praised the efforts of the Department of Zoology and ABC coordinator Prof. Dandadhar Sarma in leading this initiative. He also expressed gratitude to ICAR-NBFGR Director Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar for the continued support in promoting regional aquaculture and conserving biodiversity.
Dr. Sarkar, present at the event, highlighted the role of integrated farming practices for local fisherfolk as part of a wider strategy to ensure sustainable livelihoods. “The Government of India remains committed to supporting rural communities, and initiatives like these reflect our dedication to fostering self-sufficiency and socio-economic growth,” he said.
Participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations and received essential fishery inputs, furthering their understanding of advanced fish-farming techniques. The day concluded with an interactive session, during which participants shared their insights and discussed the benefits of sustainable aquaculture with experts, eager to apply their newfound knowledge within their communities.
This launch marks a promising step forward for Assam’s aquaculture, bridging traditional practices with modern, sustainable fish-farming solutions.
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