### I. Biological Characteristics
1. *High Growth Rate*: Quick growth within a short period.
2. *Tolerance to Environmental Fluctuations*: Withstand variations in salinity, temperature, and oxygen levels.
3. *Acceptance of Artificial Feed*: Readily consume supplementary diets.
4. *Disease Resistance*: Hardy species that can resist common infections and parasites.
5. *High Survival Rate in Controlled Environments*: Adapt well to hatchery and pond conditions.
### II. Compatibility and Efficiency
1. *Compatibility in Polyculture*: Coexist peacefully with other species.
2. *Efficient Feed Conversion*: High conversion efficiency ensures effective food utilization.
3. *Non-Competitive Feeding*: Species like shellfish rely on natural plankton, reducing the need for artificial feed.
### III. Market and Economic Viability
1. *Consumer Preference*: Marketable and in demand among consumers.
2. *Market Demand*: Economically viable and widely consumed.
3. *Reproductive Efficiency*: High breeding potential to support sustainable aquaculture.
### IV. Adaptability and Sustainability
1. *Structural Adaptability*: Thrive in varied habitats, including mangroves, ponds, and cages.
2. *Selective Breeding Potential*: Genetic improvement for better growth rates, disease resistance, and meat quality.
3. *Minimal Environmental Impact*: Contribute positively to ecosystem balance.
## Seed Resources and Collection Methods
### I. Seed Collection Methods
1. *Natural Collection*: Collect seeds from rivers, estuaries, or coastal waters.
2. *Hatchery Production*: Controlled breeding in hatcheries for high-quality seeds.
3. *Hand Netting*: Small nets for scooping up fry and post-larvae.
4. *Drag Nets & Scoop Nets*: Used in tidal creeks and mangrove areas.
5. *Fixed Nets*: Placed in estuarine channels to trap drifting larvae and juveniles.
6. *Push Nets & Lift Nets*: Commonly used for shrimp post-larvae collection.
7. *Traditional Bamboo Traps*: Used in mangrove estuaries for mud crab seed collection.
### II. Seed Collection Regions in India
1. *West Bengal*: Hooghly Estuary, Matla Estuary.
2. *Odisha*: Mahanadi Estuary, Chilika Lagoon.
3. *Andhra Pradesh*: Godavari Estuary, Krishna Estuary.
4. *Tamil Nadu*: Pichavaram Mangroves, Cauvery Estuary.
5. *Kerala*: Kadalundi Estuary, Ashtamudi Estuary.
6. *Karnataka*: Netravati Estuary, Sharavati Estuary.
7. *Maharashtra*: Vasai Creek, Thane Creek.
8. *Gujarat*: Narmada Estuary, Gulf of Kutch.
## Research Institutions and Their Contributions
### I. ICAR - CIBA
1. *Asian Seabass*: Standardized breeding and larval rearing techniques.
2. *Milkfish*: Hatchery-based seed production.
3. *Pearlspot*: Improved breeding protocols.
4. *Grey Mullet*: Captive breeding and seed production advancements.
### II. ICAR - CMFRI
1. *Finfishes*: Cobia, Indian Pompano, Silver Pompano, Orange-Spotted Grouper, John’s Snapper.
2. *Shellfishes*: Sand Lobster, Mud Crab.
3. *Bivalves*: Green Mussel, Edible Oyster, Brown Mussel, Clams.
### III. MPEDA - RGCA
1. *Seabass Hatchery Project*: Advanced breeding and larval rearing techniques.
2. *Mud Crab Hatchery Project*: Captive breeding and seed production.
3. *Pompano Hatchery Project*: Standardized seed production.
4. *GIFT Tilapia Project*: Large-scale production of mono-sex GIFT tilapia.
5. *Artemia Project*: Production of Artemia cysts and biomass.
## Seed Transportation and Handling
### I. Transportation Methods
1. *Open Containers*: Short-distance transport of shrimp post-larvae and fish fry.
2. *Polythene Bags with Oxygen Packing*: Common for shrimp post-larvae and fish fry.
3. *Live Transport in Aerated Tanks*: Used for juveniles and fingerlings in long-distance transport.
### II. Handling Techniques
1. *Conditioning Before Transport*: Starving seeds to reduce metabolic waste.
2. *Temperature Control*: Maintaining optimal temperature during transport.
3. *Stress Reduction Techniques*: Using mild anesthetics to reduce movement and prevent injuries.
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