0
The species of fish which can be kept successfully in captivity throughout their lives from egg to adult is exceedingly limited. in number . The various breeds of goldfish are familiar examples, but the carp is almost the only food-fish capable of similar domestication . Various other food-fishes, both marine and fresh-water, can be kept in ponds for longer or shorter periods, but refuse to breed, while in other cases the fry obtained from captive breeders will not develop
Pisciculture plays an important role in the economy of India. It helps in augmenting food supply, generating employment, raising nutritional level and earning valuable foreign exchange.
Although fishing contributes only 0.8 per cent of the total national income it provides sustenance to over l million persons, about 25 per cent of whom are actively engaged in fishing operations. About 2-5 lakh crafts are used for fishing operations of which only 10 per cent are mechanised boats. There are about 1,800 marine fishing villages located along the coast.
