Application of Vermitechnology in Aquaculture

Abstract

Sustainable aquaculture is one in which the goal is permanence, achieved through the utilization of renewable resources. This leads to development of concept of organic and natural farming. Among various components of organic and natural farming, vermicomposting is a key component for making compost through earthworms. Organic aquaculture is a production system, which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compound fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and feed additives. The low cost organic aquaculture system mainly depends on the use of vermicompost and vermiproducts (vermiwash, earthworm, cocoon, etc.) which are produced naturally. There is urgent need to enhance the culture of earthworms since they are utilized as live fish food, bait and fishmeal supplement. Earthworms are unique as fish food as they contain many essential amino acids along with hemoglobin in their blood serum, which provide the required iron for developing fish. Adult earthworm, cocoons and vermiwash can serve the purpose of fish feed in different ways. So, the application of vermitechnology is required for the development of organic aquaculture.