Awareness Programme and field day on Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture and Aqua-Eco-Tourism Held at Kodi, Udupi

    An awareness programme and field day on Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture and Aqua-Eco-Tourism under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) was organized by ICAR-CCARI, Goa on 2 January 2026 at Kodi, Udupi. The event was coordinated by Dr. Sreekanth G.B., Senior Scientist, and attended by Dr. Anish from Manipal Academy-Udupi, Shri Sudina, Managing Director of Udupi Kinara FFPO, along with 12 SC farmers (3 male and 9 female) and students from Manipal Academy-Udupi. A field visit was conducted to a fish farm at the Sastana estuary, showcasing mussel culture, cage culture of red snapper and pearlsport, and crab fattening. Dr. Sreekanth advised farmers to develop the site as a model Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) farm, incorporating oyster farming. He also emphasized upgrading aqua-eco-tourism activities through awareness on fisheries, mangroves, estuarine ecosystems, small-scale fish processing, and traditional fish cafés for kayaking and boating visitors. The value addition of the local fish and development of the products were also discussed to include as a part of the aqua-eco-tourism. He assured support in linking farmers to markets in Goa and Maharashtra. Dr. Anish highlighted the role of academic collaboration in sharing knowledge on aquatic ecosystems, engaging students in capacity building, and promoting traditional livelihood systems. Mussel seeds ropes, coir ropes, traps were distributed to the farmers during the programme. Participating farmers expressed their gratitude for the support and pledged full cooperation in ongoing research and development initiatives.