MP Board · Class 9 · Science · Improvement in Food ResourcesDefine mariculture and name any two economically important marine organisms cultured under mariculture in India.

Mariculture is a specialized branch of aquaculture involving the cultivation, farming, and harvesting of marine organisms such as fish, shellfish, and seaweeds in ocean water, coastal enclosures, or open marine environments for commercial purposes. It helps meet the increasing global demand for seafood without overexploiting wild ocean fish stocks. Two economically important marine organisms extensively cultured under mariculture in India are finfishes like Mullets (Mugil cephalus) or Bhetki (Lates calcarifer), and shellfishes such as Prawns (Penaeus monodon) or Oysters/Mussels.