Coastal aquaculture in India is emerging rapidly as the demand for fish, shrimp and sustainable seafood is increasing steadily. To ensure that production remains safe, eco-friendly and bio-secure, the Central Government has established the Guiding principles for Biofloc, Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Nursery-based Aqua Farming Systems, 2025. These guidelines standardize the setup, operations and management of aquaculture units, aiming on water quality, feed management, storage density, and health monitoring. Meanwhile, also reinforcing the farmer confidence and environmental safety.

What Are the Guidelines for Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture?

The Guidelines for Biofloc, Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems, and Nursery-Based Aqua Farming Systems, 2025, regulatory directives issued by the Central Government under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005. They offer a detailed legal framework for establishing, running, and regulating biofloc and RAS-based units. These principles explain application, inspection, water discharge, feeding methods, and record keeping requirements, confirming that aquaculture operations stay profitable and sustainable. In short, they are structured to balance productivity with environmental protection and disease control.

Key Objectives of the Guidelines

These guidelines are introduced with explicit objectives of simplifying the growth of aquaculture in India. They aim to protect aquatic life, regulate individuals, and ensure environmental sustainability.

• To standardize the operation of Biofloc and RAS aquaculture units through consistent procedures and compliance with Coastal Aquaculture Authority requirements.
• Promote eco-friendly farming practices that reduce water use, mitigate emissions, and save natural ecosystems from pollution and degradation.
• Prevention of diseases and ensuring aquatic health management through biosecurity measures, trained manpower and adequate monitoring of farming units.
• To assist farmers and entrepreneurs with systematic procedure for registration, approval and inspection of aquaculture units by proficient authority.
• To align Indian aquaculture practices with international norms, thereby enhancing market access and boosting competitiveness in seafood exports.

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Key Provisions of the Guidelines

The provisions cover all important characteristics of aquaculture operation and management. They have set specific principles for unit registration, farm infrastructure, water management, storage and health monitoring.

• Each aqua culture unit must apply for registration with the Coastal Aqua Culture Authority by filling the prescribed form and fee.
• Units must have the necessary biosecurity facilities, including fencing, ponds for water purification, bird scaring systems, and trained staff for management.
• Regular checking of water quality, comprising temperature, pH, alkalinity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia levels, is compulsory for all units.
• Wastewater should be treated, chlorinated, and dechlorinated before discharge, and the water should be held in treatment ponds for at least two days.
• Feeding practices should be strictly followed, including balanced protein content, regular feeding schedules, and prohibition of excessive feeding to avoid contamination.
• Stocking densities for shrimp, fish, and crabs should be as specified to avoid overcrowding and ensure optimal growth conditions.

Culture Condition of the Guidelines

Maintaining proper culture conditions is vital for the success of Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems. The guidelines clearly define nutrient levels, lighting requirements, aeration systems, and stocking densities. They also highlight maintaining a healthy carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, constant aeration for dissolved oxygen levels, and the exclusion of harmful substances.

Appropriate light sources and photoperiods as specified by the Central Government may be provided to increase the growth of microalgae or other live feeds or heterotrophic bacteria, depending on the following parameters and optimal level of the culture system.

Also Read: Guidelines for Live Feed Culture Units in Coastal Aquaculture 2025: Biosecurity, Registration & Sustainable Practices

Application Criteria for Biofloc and RAS Units

Applying for registration with the Coastal Aquaculture Authority is required before establishing Biofloc, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) or Nursery-based farming systems. This guarantees proper monitoring, compliance and accountability. The application criteria are as follows:

• Eligibility for Application: Any individual, company, or entity possessing the required infrastructure, trained manpower, and biosecurity facilities as specified by the Authority is eligible to apply for registration.
• Submission of Application Form: Applicants must submit Form I to the Sub-Divisional or District Level Committee concerned. The form should be accompanied by all documents listed in Schedule II and the prescribed registration fee under the rules.
• Submission of Project Report: Each application must comprise a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The DPR should clearly describe the infrastructure, proposed production capacity, biosecurity measures, employment opportunities, technology support, and economic viability of the unit.
• Inspection and Approval: After submission, the authority will constitute an inspection team to visit and assess the unit as per Rules 10. Registration will be allowed only after receiving a positive recommendation.
• Biosecurity and Farm Facilities: Each unit should ensure a robust biosecurity structure. This involves fencing of the premises, reservoir ponds for water treatment, separate equipment for different ponds, and trained staff for farm management.

Conclusion

The Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture Guidelines, 2025 offers a comprehensive framework for the establishment and management of sustainable aquaculture units in India. From application criteria and site selection to water management, feeding practices and culture conditions, these provisions cover every aspect of accountable aquaculture. For farmers and entrepreneurs, they provide a way to increase productivity while maintaining environmental and biosecurity standards. By implementing these practices, India can secure long-term growth in aquaculture, safeguard aquatic health, and build its position in global seafood markets.