Fish stocks declining in Goa, aquaculture can help boost seafood supply, say experts

Panaji: Aquaculture can help boost fish stocks, strengthen seafood supply and improve the health of water bodies, scientist Dr Nandkumar Kamat said on Friday during the ‘International Day for Biological Diversity 2026’ event organised by the Goa State Biodiversity Board.Speaking at a panel discussion on operationalising the Goa State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Kamat said fish populations are declining and require urgent conservation efforts. “We have to document current fish populations, understand how they survive and identify the stressors affecting them. Once we understand these stress factors, we can prepare an action plan,” he said.Kamat added that Goa, being a coastal state where fish is a staple food, is witnessing a growing demand-supply imbalance. “Today, even if you are willing to spend Rs 500, a kg of fish may not be available. One way to increase fish production is by culturing and propagating green mussels,” he said.National Institute of Oceanography scientist Baban Ingole stressed the importance of baseline ecological data for biodiversity conservation. “Before the Biodiversity Act came into force in 2002, we had not mapped our mountains, hills, water bodies or ecosystems. Until 2023, we had little information on the populations of butterflies, birds, fish and even leopards. Such data is essential, and solutions cannot be framed without preliminary studies,” he said.Ingole also highlighted the need for public participation in setting conservation goals. “Public consultation helps document the mix of ecological knowledge systems along with scientific research and expert consultation,” he told TOI.