<p>Organised by the Department of Fisheries to promote the fishery industry and provide a platform for fisher folk and the industry to interact, the fest is much more than the 125 stalls. The fest also has enough stuff to trigger interest among amateur hobbyists who want to set up aquariums at home. <br /><br />To educate people about ornamental fish, the Fisheries Research and Info Centre, KVAFSU, has on display an array of glass bowls with varieties like black molly, spawn, sword fish and the visually enticing Singapore Guppies with their colourful patterned wavy tails. <br /><br />Also featured is the Aqua Design Amano (ADA), which has been promoting its water gardens in tandem with the 'go green' mantra. Considered to be the latest trend in aquarium, the Japanese technology aims at creating a complete ecosystem in fish tanks, thereby, giving the fish the feel of their natural environment. The tanks have special soil and lighting system, which helps in photosynthesis. There is also carbon dioxide system and liquid fertiliser, explained ADA managing director Adip Sajjan Raj. <br /><br />While the concept was still catching up in the country, Raj said many IT professionals in the City were acquiring aquariums as a hobby. "The maintenance of the plants is similar to what you would do in your garden. The only difference being that this is under water.<br /><br /> The plants require regular care, trimming, etc," he said. However, the cost of setting up such an aquarium could get expensive. A two-sq ft tank cost about Rs two lakh. <br /><br />In another stall, oysters were being displayed to promote cultivation of fresh water mussels for pearls. Kalanjan from Indian Pearl Culture, Mumbai, enlightened curious fishermen about how they could cultivate mussels along with fish culture.<br /><br />A different stall had a fish farmer from Falguni village in Chikmagalur, showing off an indigenous fish from Malnad. While the entire village adopted organic land farming, even the fish cultivation followed suit. <br /><br />"Use of pesticides in farms has nearly wiped out fish. However, we are not growing it in an organic way," he said. The fish supposedly have medicinal value, he added.<br /><br />Apart from fishing equipment like nets, crates, ice box, etc, a section in the exhibition was also dedicated to accessories used in aquarium, feed seeds, aqua medicines and food items like prawn chutney, pickles, dry fish and so on.</p>.<p>Plans to develop 10 harbour ports<br /><br />In his inaugural speech, the Chief Minister said the development of 10 harbour ports including Mangalore, Malpe, Karwar will be included in the upcoming budget. <br /><br />Besides, the four per cent VAT on ice that was being imposed on export of fish would be relaxed and free boats will be provided to coastal fishermen. <br /><br />A kit worth Rs 5,000 would be given to fisherwomen. <br /><br />Minister for Ecology and Environment Krishna J Palemar said the government planned to develop local tanks to protect indigenous fish. <br /><br />A special package will be announced for fishermen in the upcoming budget. </p>
<p>Organised by the Department of Fisheries to promote the fishery industry and provide a platform for fisher folk and the industry to interact, the fest is much more than the 125 stalls. The fest also has enough stuff to trigger interest among amateur hobbyists who want to set up aquariums at home. <br /><br />To educate people about ornamental fish, the Fisheries Research and Info Centre, KVAFSU, has on display an array of glass bowls with varieties like black molly, spawn, sword fish and the visually enticing Singapore Guppies with their colourful patterned wavy tails. <br /><br />Also featured is the Aqua Design Amano (ADA), which has been promoting its water gardens in tandem with the 'go green' mantra. Considered to be the latest trend in aquarium, the Japanese technology aims at creating a complete ecosystem in fish tanks, thereby, giving the fish the feel of their natural environment. The tanks have special soil and lighting system, which helps in photosynthesis. There is also carbon dioxide system and liquid fertiliser, explained ADA managing director Adip Sajjan Raj. <br /><br />While the concept was still catching up in the country, Raj said many IT professionals in the City were acquiring aquariums as a hobby. "The maintenance of the plants is similar to what you would do in your garden. The only difference being that this is under water.<br /><br /> The plants require regular care, trimming, etc," he said. However, the cost of setting up such an aquarium could get expensive. A two-sq ft tank cost about Rs two lakh. <br /><br />In another stall, oysters were being displayed to promote cultivation of fresh water mussels for pearls. Kalanjan from Indian Pearl Culture, Mumbai, enlightened curious fishermen about how they could cultivate mussels along with fish culture.<br /><br />A different stall had a fish farmer from Falguni village in Chikmagalur, showing off an indigenous fish from Malnad. While the entire village adopted organic land farming, even the fish cultivation followed suit. <br /><br />"Use of pesticides in farms has nearly wiped out fish. However, we are not growing it in an organic way," he said. The fish supposedly have medicinal value, he added.<br /><br />Apart from fishing equipment like nets, crates, ice box, etc, a section in the exhibition was also dedicated to accessories used in aquarium, feed seeds, aqua medicines and food items like prawn chutney, pickles, dry fish and so on.</p>.<p>Plans to develop 10 harbour ports<br /><br />In his inaugural speech, the Chief Minister said the development of 10 harbour ports including Mangalore, Malpe, Karwar will be included in the upcoming budget. <br /><br />Besides, the four per cent VAT on ice that was being imposed on export of fish would be relaxed and free boats will be provided to coastal fishermen. <br /><br />A kit worth Rs 5,000 would be given to fisherwomen. <br /><br />Minister for Ecology and Environment Krishna J Palemar said the government planned to develop local tanks to protect indigenous fish. <br /><br />A special package will be announced for fishermen in the upcoming budget. </p>
