Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture (2+1)

Unit 7 - Culture of Molluscs and Seaweeds

7.2.1. Grow-out

CMFRI has developed techniques to farm the green mussel Perna viridis using raft culture method. Rafts are fabricated using wooden/bamboo poles tied together with nylon/coir ropes. The poles are treated with coal tar to enhance their life. Raft of 6x5 or 8x8m are constructed. The rafts are mounted on 5 empty sealed drums of 200L capacity, painted with anti-corrosive paint. A few wooden planks are fixed on the raft to provide for working space. The rafts are anchored in the protected areas of the sea using 3 iron anchors each weighing 100 kg at a depth ranging from 8-10m in the sea 1-1.5Km way from the shore. Ropes with seed attached to them are suspended form the raft for growing to marketable size.