The document provides a comprehensive overview of coastal aquaculture, particularly in Bangladesh, detailing the farming practices of various fish and crustacean species and highlighting the sector's rapid growth since its inception in the 1970s. It also discusses the cultivation of different aquatic plants and seaweeds, their uses, and the socio-economic benefits of marine aquaculture. Additionally, the document describes specific species of fish and crustaceans, emphasizing their characteristics, growth conditions, and significance in aquaculture.

1. Introduction
Coastal Aquaculture means raising fish, mollusks, or crustaceans under controlled conditions in
polders, tanks, ghers (ponds), or specially constructed polders in the coastal regions. For instance,
if we think about Bangladesh, the coastal aquaculture is an old traditional practice in there. The
coastal aquaculture sector in Bangladesh is dominated by farming of export-oriented freshwater
prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, and black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. As part of
agricultural development in coastal Bangladesh, prawn and shrimp farming were initiated in the
1970s and began to expand rapidly in the 1980s.
There are now about 850,000 farmers involved with 275,000 ha of prawn and shrimp farms in
Bangladesh. Their total production has gradually increased from 75,000 mt in 2003-2004 to
140,000 mt in 2012-2013 – an average annual growth rate of 9 percent over the last decade.
But here we will write a brief about mostly cultured Fish, Crustaceans, Mollusks and Seaweed in
coastal area not just Bangladesh but around the world.
FISH
For fish culture, a cultivable fish species is selected on the following criteria.
1) The fish which utilizes efficiently the food made available in the pond by means of
manuring or provide commonly available grasses or other by-products of the food grains.
2) The fish which exhibit complementary in food habits when grown together with two or
more fish species.
3) The fish which grow faster.
4) The fish which are non - predatory in nature.
5) The fish having good taste.
6) The fish having good market value and demand.
Now we will discuss about fishes which are cultivated in coastal areas. Some species are:
➢ Milk fish
➢ Grouper
➢ Pompano
➢ Snapper
➢ Seabass

2. MILKFISH:
Scientific name: Chanos chanos
The most ideal fish for coastal aquaculture. They have fast growth rate in the first year of its life
and has wide range of tolerance to temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. It feeds on algal
mats at the bottom, resistance to most diseases and parasites. Cultured on a large scale in Indonesia,
the Philippines and Taiwan for centuries
Characteristics of Milkfish
Moderately compressed, spindle shaped elongated body covered with small scales.
Mouth is small, without teeth, snout is longer than the lower jaw, which has a small tubercle
at its tip.
The dorsal fin is located at about the middle point of the body, anal fin short and situated
far behind the dorsal fin base.
Lateral line is present and tail fin is large and forked. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins have
dark margins.
The fish grows to about 50 cm in length weighing 500 – 800 g in brackish water ponds.
In ponds milkfish feed mainly on filamentous algae at the bottom along with associated
microorganisms and detritus. The fry and fingerlings feed on microscopic algae.
The fish can be fed supplementary feed such as rice bran, oil cakes and other feed stuffs.
GROUPERS:
Groupers is the most important group of fishes for coastal aquaculture. Not all serranids are called
"groupers", the family also includes the sea basses. The common name "grouper" is usually given
to fish in one of two large genera: Epinephelus and Mycteroperca.

3. Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are the major producer of groupers in sea cages
Groupers are suitable for culture in net cages, as well as in ponds. Wild seed collection is the major
source of seed for culture of groupers E. malabaricus.
Characteristics of groupers:
Epinephelus tauvina and E. malabaricus of the family serranidae have robust, somewhat
compressed, oval-oblong, and elongated body.
There are 11 spines and 14-16 soft rays in the dorsal fin and 18-20 rays in the pectoral fin.
Three dark blotches are present on the inter-opercle in E. Malabaricus.
The head and body are greyish, covered with small, dull, orange- red to dark brown spots.
They grow to 50-65 cm and to 100 cm respectively.
SNAPPERS:
Scientific name: Lutjanus johni
The snappers are high value in the domestic and international markets. Golden snapper or red
snapper are the preferred species. Lutjanus johni is culture in Malaysia and Singapore
Characteristics of Snapper:
It has a moderately deep body with a straight or slightly convex head profile.

4. The dorsal has10 spines and 13 to 14 soft rays. The body has a reddish or bronze-silvery
colour with a dark spot on each scale, forming a series of dark streaks in the body.
A large black blotch may be present above the lateral line in the junction between spinous
and soft part of the dorsal side.
The fish grows at maximum length of about 70 cm; but the common sizes are 40 – 60 cm
in length.
Red snapper feeds on invertebrates and fishes and inhabits shallow waters and mangrove
areas besides the sea up to a depth of about 80 m.
SEABASS:
Scientific name: Lates calcarifer
Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) is the prime value fish grown for luxury markets. Commonly
distributed in Australia, Myanmar, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore,
and Thailand.
Characters of Seabass:
Elongated and compressed body, with a deep caudal peduncle
Head is pointed with a concave dorsal profile, becoming convex in front of the dorsal fin
Mouth is large, slightly oblique and the lower edge of the opercula is serrated, with a strong
spine
In juveniles the colour is olive brown above with silvery sides and belly, while in adults it
is greenish or bluish above and silvery.
No spots or bars are present on the body
The eyes are bright pink, glowing at night
Grows to a maximum size of upto 200 cm

5. It is a highly carnivorous fish, feeds on fishes and crustaceans and fry feed on zooplankton
and fingerlings on crustacean, worms, molluscs etc
The fish is highly cannibalistic- suitable for grow out in floating cages with periodic size
grading.
POMPANO:
Scientific Name: Trichinotus Blochii
Trichinotus Blochi is commonly known as Silver pompano (American pomfret) is one of the most
highly desired marine and a high value fish. Its flavor is excellent, and its monetary value is high.
The commercial catches are not large. It belongs to the genus Trichinotus of the family Carangidae.
From Biological Standpoint, the Pompano is highly suitable for farming. It is commonly found in
Indo-pacific region. Silver Pompano is becoming more popular in the Indian Aquaculture sector.
A cultured pompano ranges from 250 gm up to one kg. They reach a size range of 450-550 gm
weight in 8 months culture period. Silver Pomapno is widely cultured in USA, China, Taiwan,
Malayasia, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Philippines. Silver Pomapno is an alternative species
for low salinity (5 to 35 ppt) shrimp culture.
Advantage of Marine fin fish culture
Socio-economic upliftment of coastal fishers by generating employment.
Enhanced production of seafood for human consumption.
Enhanced production of high value marine fin fish.
Increasing national seafood export.
Substitution of seafood imports.
Opportunity for commercially viable business opportunities for the entrepreneurs.

6. Alternate livelihood option for coastal fishers as catch from sea is dwindling.
SEAWEEDS
Introduction
Aquatic plants are a major production component of mariculture, particularly in the Asia-Pacific
region. About 13.6 million tons of aquatic plants were produced in 2004. China is the largest
producer, producing just less than 10 million tons.
There are around 200 species of seaweed used worldwide, or which about 10 species are
intensively cultivated including the - Brown algae L. japonica and Undaria pinnatifida, the Red
algae Porphyra, Eucheuma, Kappaphycus, and Gracilaria, and the Green algae Monostrema and
Enteromorpha.
Kombu
Scientific name: Laminaria japonica
Laminaria japonica, known as Kombu and golden-and-brown honeysuckle, is a marine species of
the Phaeophyceae (brown algae) class, a type of kelp or seaweed, which is extensively cultivated
on ropes between the seas of China, Japan, and Korea.
Laminaria japonica is long, leathery laminae and relatively large size. Some species are called
Devil's apron, due to their shape, or sea colander, due to the perforations present on the lamina.
Laminaria form a habitat for many fish and invertebrates

7. Laminaria is found in colder ocean waters, such as arctic regions. Preferring to stay in regions
where there are rocky shores, this allows the laminaria to attach. Due to the height of the Laminaria,
they provide protection for creatures that the open ocean does not often give. Invertebrates are just
one of the organisms that live among the algae. Sea snails and other invertebrates feed on the
blades (leaves) of the laminaria. Other organisms, such as sea urchins, feed on the holdfasts, which
can kill the algae
Uses
❖ A laminaria stick may be used to slowly dilate the cervix to induce labor and delivery, or for
surgical procedures including abortions or to facilitate the placement of an intrauterine device.
The stick is made up of a bundle of dried and compressed laminaria that expands as water is
absorbed.
❖ Laminaria is a source of the relatively rare element, iodine, which is commonly used to
promote thyroid health.
❖ Due to their ability to grow underwater and in salt water, algae are being investigated as a
source of biofuel. Laminaria is one of the five macroalgae farmed for products such as food,
chemicals and power.
❖ Various species of Laminaria have been used for food purposes since ancient times wherever
humans have encountered them. Typically, the prepared parts, usually the blade, are consumed
either immediately after boiling in broth or water or consumed after drying.
Red algae seaweed
Scientific name: Pyropia sp.

8. Pyropia species are red algae with a discoid holdfast and short stipe. They have folded blades,
which are membranous and monostromatic, coming in red, brown, and dark green colorations.
These folded blades may also look like fronds until unfolded. These blades reach up to one meter
in length in some species but are generally around 20 centimeters in diameter.
Pyropia species, which reside in the upper intertidal zone, endure many stresses, including intense
direct light, temperature fluctuation, osmotic stress, salinity fluctuation, and desiccation. They are
especially able to handle heat stress; some Pyropia species will halt metabolic systems that are not
essential to homeostasis, such as photosynthesis. Other species will use increased lipid production
to fight desiccation.
Within the genus Pyropia multiple species are used for nori (edible seaweed), Pyropia yezoensis
and P. haitanensis being most popular. It is a two-billion-dollar industry with most major growers
located in China, Korea, and Japan.
Uses
❖ Porphyra (Nori) is used in China as an anti-ascorbic in link to its content in vitamin C.
❖ It is primarily used as food in the Japanese delicacy “sushi”
❖ They are sources of dietary fiber as they can promote healthy circulation, lower bad cholesterol
and regulate blood sugar levels.
Monostroma
Scientific name: Monostroma latissimum

9. Monostroma is a genus of marine green algae. In Japan and China, Monostroma sp. are also used
as food, and all of them are among the most consumed algae which are being incorporated into
Western dietetic habits.
Thallus membranous, flaccid, soft, thin, ruffled surface, and perforated with many holes of various
size, light green, 10–20 cm across. Margins smooth or undulating. Chloroplast single, central with
one pyrenoid. Attachment by small holdfast. Growing on rocks, dead corals in the upper intertidal
zone.
Gracilaria
Scientific name: G. lemaneiformis
Gracilaria is a genus of red algae (Rhodophyta) notable for its economic importance as an
agarophyte, as well as its use as a food for humans and various species of shellfish. Various species
within the genus are cultivated among Asia, South America, Africa, and Oceania.
Within China’s mariculture sector, culture of the red agarophyte Gracilaria has rapidly expanded
over the past 10 years. The principal Gracilaria species cultured throughout China is G.
lemaneiformis.
Uses:
➢ G. lemaneiformis is very effective in decreasing nitrogen and phosphorus loadings.
➢ The seaweed is also able to inhibit the growth of some microalgae and may increase
dissolved oxygen in the water column.
➢ Large-scale Gracilaria cultivation can be an effective means of improving water quality

10. ➢ They are utilized for agar extraction and may play an important role in bioremediation
➢ Very effective in improving D.O. levels in mariculture areas.
Wakame
Scientific name: Undaria pinnatifida
Undaria pinnatifida is a brown seaweed native to Japan. It was introduced to the Southern
Hemisphere approximately 30 years ago. Marinova monitors the growth of Undaria seaweed and
continues to sustainably harvest wild Undaria from the pristine ocean waters of Tasmania,
Australia, and Patagonia, Argentina.
Undaria inhabits the intertidal zone down to depths of approximately 20 metres. It is typically
found in sheltered reef areas with conditions such as temperature, available nutrients, light and
depth all being important variables in the plants life cycle.
Uses
Wakame can help with weight loss, blood pressure control, energy levels, hormonal balance, bone
health, diabetes prevention, and skin and hair health. It also aids foetal development, heart health,
and blood circulation.

11. CRUSTACEANS
Tiger shrimp
Scientific name: Penaeus monodon
P. monodon is the second-most widely cultured prawn species in the world, after only white leg
shrimp
Distribution and habitats
Its natural distribution is the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the eastern coast of Africa and the Arabian
Peninsula, as far as Southeast Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and northern Australia. It is an invasive
species in the northern waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean off the Southern U.S.
P. monodon has been farmed throughout the world, including areas such as Bangladesh, Hawaii,
Tahiti, and England.
Aquaculture
For optimal growth, P. monodon is raised in waters between 28 and 33°C. P. monodon has a natural
ability to survive and grow in a wide range of salinity, though its optimal salinity is around 15-25
ppt. While in a farm setting, the shrimp are typically fed a compound diet, which is produced in
dried pellets. By mixing the diet to have compound feeds and fresh feed, P. monodon was shown
to have better reproductive performance.

12. In Bangladesh p. monodon is most popular cultivable crustacean, according to the Bangladesh
Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA), today shrimp are being cultivated in 276,000
hectares of the 337,164 hectares of land available along the coast, or 81%. Of them, 195,000
hectares or 70.6% are in the districts of Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat.
Culture cycle

13. Whiteleg shrimp
Scientific name: Litopenaeus vannamei
Distribution and habitats
Whiteleg shrimp are native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, from the Mexican state of Sonora to as
far south as northern Peru. It is restricted to areas where the water temperatures remain above
20 °C (68 °F) throughout the year.
Aquaculture
During the 20th century, L. vannamei was an important species for Mexican inshore fishermen, as
well as for trawlers further offshore. In the late 20th century, the wild fishery was overtaken by
the development of aquaculture production; this began in 1973 in Florida using prawns captured
in Panama, that were used in hatcheries for larvae production.
In Latin America, the culture of L. vannamei started to develop with the availability of hatchery
larvae, the development of feeds, the technification of the growth processes, the freezing
installations and market channels, among others. From Mexico to Peru most countries developed
in the 70s and 80s large production areas. Ecuador became one of the world leader’s producers of
this type of shrimp. Around the beginning of the millennia, Asia introduced this species in their

14. aquaculture operations (changing from Penaeus monodon). China, Vietnam, India, and others have
become major packers as well.
ln Bangladesh, L.vannamei culture is recently started.
Culture cycle

15. Mud crab
Scientific name: Scylla serrata
Distribution and habitats
The natural range of S. serrata is in the Indo-Pacific. It is found from South Africa, around the
coast of the Indian Ocean, where it is especially abundant in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India to the
Southeast Asian Archipelago, as well as from southern Japan to south-eastern Australia, northern
New Zealand, And as far east as Fiji and Samoa. The species has also been introduced to Hawaii
and Florida. In Hawaii, mud crabs are colloquially known as Samoan crabs, as they were originally
imported from American Samoa. As these crabs are known for their robust size and dense meat
content, they have been greatly sought after over the years. As a result of over crabbing, local
government efforts have restricted harvesting of crabs smaller than 6 inches (width across back)
and to harvest females of any size is illegal.
Aquaculture
There is a growing demand for mud crab in Asia, Europe and America for which there has been
found an increasing trend in mud crab production. In 1995-96, about 7,000 metric tons of mud
crab was produced while more than 10,000 MT were produced in 2000 in the Southwestern
districts of Bangladesh. Mud crabs have become the second most exported crustacean product
from Bangladesh. Total earnings from mud crab export in 2007-08 was US$ 7,068,000. From
2009-10 to 2013-14, there has been found an increasing trend in crab export earnings. Crab of

16. Bangladesh is exported alive to various countries such as China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore,
Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, America, and different countries of Europe.
In Bangladesh the present mud crab aquaculture is totally dependent on the crab seeds collected
from the wild stock, mostly from Sundarbans and coastal mangroves. Due to rapid expansion of
mud crab fattening and increased number of mud crab farmers, a huge quantity of mud crab seeds
is being caught from the wild.
Culture cycle

17. MOLLUSKS
CLAM
Scientific Name: Mercenaria mercenaria
Clam, in general, any member of the invertebrate class Bivalvia—mollusks with a bivalved shell
(one with two separate sections). More than 15,000 living species of bivalves are known, of which
about 500 live in fresh water; the others occur in all seas. Clams usually live on or in sandy or
muddy bottoms.
True clams, in the strict sense, are bivalves with equal shells closed by two adductor muscles
situated at opposite ends of the shell, and with a powerful, muscular, burrowing foot. Clams
characteristically lie buried from just beneath the surface to depths of about 0.6 metre (2 feet).
They rarely travel over the bottom as do some other bivalves. Most clams inhabit shallow waters,
in which they are generally protected from wave action by the surrounding bottom. One species of
clam (Abra profundorum), however, has been taken in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of more than
4,800 metres (16,000 feet).
Uses
➢ Zinc and selenium are important for men in the production of sperm and seminal fluid.
These are found in abundance in clams.
➢ Clams have enough Vitamin C which helps great collagen production
➢ Clams are a GREAT source of Vitamin B12 which helps us produce red blood cells,
synthesize proteins, and make and maintain our DNA.

18. ➢ Helps You Regulate Blood Pressure
➢ Clams are a great source of protein. You get 12.8 g of protein per 100g.
SCALLOP
Scientific Name: Pecten maximus
Scallop are also called escallop, fan shell, or comb shell, any of the marine bivalve mollusks of the
family Pectinidae, particularly species of the genus Pecten. The family, which includes about 50
genera and subgenera and more than 400 species, is worldwide in distribution and ranges from the
intertidal zone to considerable ocean depths.
The two valves of the shell are usually fan-shaped, except for the straight hinge line with winglike
projections at either side of the hinge; the valves range in size from about 2.5 cm (1 inch) to more
than 15 cm (6 inches). The shell may be smooth or sculptured with radial ribs, which may be
smooth, scaly, or knobbed. Scallops range in colour from brilliant red, purple, orange, or yellow
to white. The lower valve is usually lighter in colour and less sculptured than the upper.
Uses
➢ In traditional East Asian medicine, scallops are used as a treatment for conditions like
diabetes and indigestion.
➢ Made up of 80% protein and sporting a low-fat content, they can help you feel fuller longer
and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
➢ Scallops are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats that can balance your cholesterol
levels, reducing your heart disease risk.
➢ Scallop shells are used to make food additives and plastering and paving materials

19. OYSTER
Scientific Name: Crassostrea gigas
They have been cultivated as food for more than 2,000 years. Pearl oysters also have long been
valued for the precious pearls that develop in them.
The two valves of the oyster shell, which differ in shape, have rough surfaces that are often a dirty
gray. The upper valve is convex, or higher at the middle than at the edges. The lower valve, fixed
to the bottom or to another surface, is larger, has smoother edges, and is rather flat. The inner
surfaces of both valves are smooth and white.
Uses
➢ They are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which fight bad cholesterol. In addition, oysters
contain zinc, a vitamin that reduces the risk of certain vision disorders and is also necessary
to the immune system.
➢ Oysters filter water through their vents, consuming algae in the process. Given large
enough numbers of oysters, they can clear up the water.
➢ Oysters create spawning grounds as well as habitats for other animals like fish and blue
crabs, which come there to hide from predators.
➢ Oysters are farmed and valued for their ability to make pearls. Known as "pearl oysters,

20. References
✓ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKE
wjQ0of2prb8AhWS1HMBHfovAxkQFnoECA4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.bdfish.
org%2F2013%2F05%2Fcommercially-important-shellfish-
bangladesh%2F&usg=AOvVaw1AAKIHdBs3wp1M-
eFpNskG&cshid=1673123565526342
✓ Coastal Aquaculture - Banglapedia
✓ Crustacean - Wikipedia
✓ COASTAL AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN BANGLADESH: UN-
SUSTAINABLE AND SUSTAINABLE EXPERIENCES (core.ac.uk)
✓ Potential uses and prospects of seaweed culture in coastal areas of Bangladesh | The
Asian Age Online, Bangladesh (dailyasianage.com)
✓(PDF) Abundance, Distribution and Culture Potentials of Three Commercially Important
Mollusks Species along the Coast of Bay of Bengal (researchgate.net)
✓Status of mollusc culture in selected Asian countries (fao.org)