A delegation from Goa’s fisheries department led by minister Nilkanth Halarnkar recently visited Norway to study cage farming techniques.
The minister interacted with policymakers and stakeholders from Norway’s fisheries industry to see how its best practices and technology could be used to enhance fishing activities in Goa. Halarnkar was in Norway from Wednesday to Saturday, but his visit was preceded by fisheries director Shamila Monteiro and fishing trawler owners.
The minister discussed aquaculture, especially salmon farming, with Norwegian experts, and even discussed the possibility of developing cage farming in Goa. Aside from salmon farms, Halarnkar also evaluated the process to set up blue mussels farms; such farms are expected to be set up in Goa in the coming months.
A document published by the National Fisheries Development Board states that sea cage culture involves growing fishes in the sea while being enclosed in a net cage which allows free flow of water. It is a production system comprising a floating frame of varying dimensions and shapes, net materials, and a mooring system to hold and culture large number of fishes.
Halarnkar addressed the Agdar India Business Seminar at Kristiansand, southern Norway, and presented Goa’s policy for the fisheries sector. He also visited the Mandal shipyard, which specialises in manufacturing fishing vessels. The Goan delegation inspected a 67m-long fishing vessel that has an on-board fish processing unit.
At the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) at Arendal, the fisheries minister was given an overview of research activities, including assessment of fish stock and basic research of marine ecosystem, aquaculture, fisheries, nutritions, food safety, and animal welfare.
Goa is keen to explore collaboration with Norway in cluster fish farming, sustainable aquaculture and fisheries. The Goa delegation also visited Grieg Seafood AS, a major player in salmon farming and processing.