Coastal aquaculture is a growing sector in India that supports fish, shrimp, and other seafood production. Live feeds, like phytoplankton, rotifers, and polychaete worms, play a critical role in the growth and survival of cultured aquatic species. To ensure safe and sustainable production, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying introduced the Guidelines for Live Feed Culture Units and Management in Coastal Aquaculture, 2025.
These guidelines provide clear instructions for setting up, managing, and monitoring live feed culture units. They ensure biosecurity, maintain quality, and prevent disease outbreaks in coastal aquaculture operations.

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What Are Guidelines for Live Feed Culture Units and Management in Coastal Aquaculture, 2025?

The Guidelines for Live Feed Culture Units and Management in Coastal Aquaculture, 2025 are a set of regulatory instructions notified by the Central Government. They provide a legal framework for the establishment and operation of live feed culture units.

Key objectives of the guidelines 

• Regulating the production of live feed in a safe and biosecure manner.
• Standardizing the application and registration process for live feed units.
• Ensuring high-quality live feed for hatcheries and aquaculture farms.
• Protecting aquatic health by preventing the spread of pathogens.
• Maintaining environmental sustainability in coastal aquaculture zones.

By enforcing these guidelines, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) ensures that live feed production follows global best practices, helping India compete in international seafood markets.

Key Provisions of the Guidelines

The 2025 guidelines cover several important areas to ensure smooth and safe operation of live feed culture units:

1. Selection of Suitable Live Feeds

The guidelines allow phytoplankton, rotifers, Artemia, copepods, amphipods, and polychaete worms as live feeds. Species identification must be done using scientific, morphological, and molecular tools. Feeds should match the size and nutritional needs of the aquatic species at different life stages.

2. Site Selection

Live feed units must be located near hatcheries or farms but kept isolated for biosecurity reasons. Adequate quality water, as per coastal aquaculture norms, must be available. Proper steps should be taken to avoid pathogen entry and cross-contamination.

3. Water Quality Management

Water quality must be regularly monitored for temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. The water should be treated with sand, cartridge, and UV filters before use. For indoor or stock cultures, water must also be sterilized or ozonized.

4. Water Discharge Protocols

In case of culture crashes or disease outbreaks, the water must be chlorinated and dechlorinated before disposal. Direct discharge into open water bodies is not allowed. All wastewater should be retained in an effluent treatment system for at least two days.

5. Health Monitoring

Health parameters and density of live feeds should be checked regularly. Microscopic examinations must be carried out to assess quality and size. Dedicated technical staff should be employed to handle and monitor the units.

6. In-House Quarantine Facility

Vehicles must pass through tyre baths before entering the premises, and staff must disinfect hands, clothes, and shoes. Quarantine units should have enough space and screen feeds for WHA-listed and India-specific pathogens. If pathogens are detected, samples must go to ICAR-CIBA or accredited labs, and infected stocks destroyed under authority supervision.

7. Quality Control and Biosecurity

Nutritional content of live feeds should be tested regularly to ensure quality. Proper storage between harvests must be maintained. Biosecurity protocols should be followed in consultation with Fisheries officials or ICAR/CSIR scientists.

8. Harvesting Techniques

Gentle harvesting methods must be used to prevent stress or damage to the feeds. Harvesting should take place at the right developmental stage for maximum nutritional value. The produce can only be sold to registered hatcheries or government-approved units.

9. Maintenance of Records

Units must keep detailed records of procurement, stocking, water quality, feeding, growth, health, harvesting, and marketing. A quarterly compliance report in Form N-1 should be submitted to the Authority. Records must also be made available during inspections.

10. Penalty for Violation

If any unit engages in unauthorized production or unsafe practices, strict action will be taken. The Authority may confiscate, destroy, or dispose of the stock. Penalties under Section 14 of the Act can also be imposed on violators.

Culture Condition of the Guidelines

Proper culture conditions are critical for high-quality live feeds. The guidelines specify:

• Nutrients must be added to support the growth of live feeds, especially microalgae, using nutrient media recommended by Fisheries officials or ICAR/CSIR/Government scientists.
• Nutrient levels should be maintained as advised to prevent the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms.
• Suitable light sources and photoperiods must be arranged to encourage the growth of microalgae and other live feeds.
• Light intensity and duration should match the specific needs of the microalgae species as recommended by experts.
• Stocking density of live feeds must be maintained properly to avoid overcrowding, with polychaete worms not exceeding 0.5 kg/m².
• Use of prohibited pharmacologically active substances and antimicrobial agents is not allowed in the production system.

Requirements for Live Feed Culture Units

Every live feed culture unit must meet certain infrastructure and operational requirements. These include:

1. Culture Tanks and Containers: Tanks made from FRP, RCC, glass, plastic, HDPE, Polyethylene, or PVC must be used for culturing live feed.
2. Different Types of Units: There must be indoor, intermediate, and outdoor culture units for microalgae production.
3. Stock Culture Room: Units must have a dedicated room to maintain pure stock cultures.
4. Separate Culture Systems: To avoid cross-contamination, different live feed species (e.g., microalgae and rotifers) must be cultured separately.
5. Controlled Growth Conditions: Proper aeration, temperature regulation, and lighting must be maintained for optimal feed growth.

Also Read: 2025 Guidelines for Cage and Pen Culture in Marine Aquaculture

Application Criteria for Live Feed Units

The application criteria include:

1. Eligibility for Application

Live feed units engaged or intending to produce live feed with mandatory biosecurity and in-house quarantine facilities, as per paragraph 10 of the Guidelines, are eligible to apply under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005.

2. Application Submission

The operator must submit Form II prescribed under the rules, along with documents listed in Schedule II and a registration fee of ₹10,000.

3. Project Report Requirement

A detailed project report (DPR) must be enclosed, covering infrastructure, biosecurity measures, production capacity, technology support, employment generation, and operational economics.

4. Inspection and Approval

Approval will be granted by the Authority only after a team inspection, conducted as per rule 11, confirming compliance with prescribed standards.

Importance of the Guidelines

These guidelines are essential for:

• Ensuring high-quality, pathogen-free live feeds.
• Promoting biosecurity and disease prevention in coastal aquaculture.
• Standardizing production methods for sustainable operations.
• Facilitating compliance with Coastal Aquaculture Authority regulations.
• Protecting investment and livelihoods of fish and shrimp farmers.
• Supporting eco-friendly aquaculture practices in India.

Conclusion

The Guidelines for Live Feed Culture Units and Management in Coastal Aquaculture, 2025 are a milestone in promoting safe and sustainable aquaculture in India. They cover everything from site selection, culture conditions, water quality management, biosecurity, quarantine, health monitoring, harvesting, record-keeping, and penalties for violations.
Live feed units must comply with these guidelines to produce high-quality feeds that meet the nutritional and size requirements of aquatic species at different life stages. Proper implementation ensures sustainable growth, prevents disease outbreaks, and strengthens coastal aquaculture production in India.
Following these guidelines not only improves production efficiency but also helps in maintaining environmental safety and public trust in aquaculture products.