Introduction to West Godavari Fisheries
West Godavari Fisheries is one of the fastest growing sectors and contributing substantially to the GSDP of the Andhra Pradesh State. The sector aims at exploitation of all the possible water resources under capture and culture fishery base for increasing fish production and productivity through sustainable development. The sector is contributing significantly for food security, lively hood support to rural population and income generation through seafood exports. Realising its importance, the Fisheries sector is identified as one of the growth engines for achieving the double digit growth and included as one of the key sectors in Primary Mission in the State
Resources
West Godavari is blessed with bountiful resources such as long coastline (**** kms),immense brackish water area (**** lakh ha) and productive freshwater water bodies (Ponds & Tanks- *** lakh ha; Freshwater Kolleru lake-*** lakh ha; Reservoirs-*** lakh ha; Rivers and Canals- *** kms)
The area under aqua farming in the District is *** lakh Ha which includes *** lakh ha of brackish water shrimp culture and *** lakh ha of fresh water fish and prawn culture and about *** lakh aqua farmers involved in aquaculture sector.
Inland fisheries sector is providing livelihood for about *** lakh fishers and contributing largely to fisheries sector.
Fisheries sector in the District is providing employment for about *** lakh population
Government Initiatives
Restructuring of the Department has been initiated as per the G.O. Ms. No.55, AH,DD&F Dept. Dtd.,03.11.2016 to strengthen 5 wings- Aquaculture, Marine, Regulation, Welfare and Planning in the Department
Cage culture was introduced during 2015-16 in 6 reservoirs for Nile Tilapia and 6 more are in pipeline for implementation thereby to augment the productivity of the reservoirs for better livelihood opportunities for inland fishermen
Government issued GO Ms No.13 Dt. 25/5/2015 constituting District Level Committee for declaration of “Aquaculture Zones” for prevention of the conversion of fertile agriculture fields into fish ponds in The West Godavari District
Coordinating with Drug Control Administration and Food Safety Standards Department to regulate usage of banned antibiotics in aquaculture
Implementing orders issued vide G.O.Ms.No.56, AH,DD&F Dept. Dt.04.11.2016 imposing ban on usage of slaughter waste in aquaculture
Regulation of shrimp hatcheries for quality seed production- District Level Committees are empowered to regulate the quality of the seed produced at shrimp hatcheries
Chandranna Bima for active fishermen for coverage of insurance
District Level Committees under the Chairmanship of District Collectors are empowered to regularize the existing Shrimp Larval & Post Larval Rearing Centers located beyond the jurisdiction of CAA
Under Blue Revolution, action is being taken to promote with incentives for establishment of mini feed mills, ice plants, mini processing plants, insulated transport vehicles, solar wind hybrid freezing plants under green energy with the financial assistance of Govt. of India.