Demonstration of estuarine fish trap to cage farmers of Kodungallur-Azhikode estuary, Kerala

    A field visit cum demonstration of estuarine fish trap was organized for the cage farmers of Kodungallur-Azhikode estuary, Thrissur coastal district of Kerala on 24 February 2025. This was organized in response to the request received from Blue Pearl Fish Farmer Producers Organization (FFPO) based at Kodungallur. The low cost estuarine fish trap was introduced to the farmers, which ensures the capture of larger fish, avoid juvenile and small fish stocks and sustainable selective fishing. Dr Sreekanth GB, Senior Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI demonstrated the operation of the trap to a total of six farmers operate cage culture in the estuary. The trap was set near the cages and shooting and hauling mechanism were demonstrated. This trap generally catches seabass, pearlspot, red snapper, rabbit fish and crabs from the estuary. In addition, the harvest of fish from the cage was also monitored, that generally happens during the early morning hours. The farmers expressed their sincere gratitude for the demonstration of the technology and assured the sustainable operation of the trap in the estuary. They also highlighted that this technology could be a real asset for the capture of large fish and brooders from the estuary. The farmers also assured their whole-hearted support for the research and development activities of ICAR-CCARI in the coastal region.