This book presents an insightful overview of non-conventional aquaculture practices, focusing on diversified systems that extend beyond traditional fish farming. Designed for aquaculture students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policy planners, it promotes sustainability through livelihood diversification, integrated systems, and climate-resilient technologies.

The text explores a wide spectrum of emerging aquaculture technologies including pearl farming, ornamental fish culture, seaweed farming, aquaponics, IMTA (Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture), and the cultivation of microalgae and aquatic medicinal plants. Each chapter details biological foundations, system designs, value addition techniques, and economic viability, supported by Indian case studies and regional practices.

The book also emphasizes government initiatives, policy support, entrepreneurship models, and the integration of technology (AI, IoT) in making these systems scalable and sustainable. It aims to inspire innovation and practical implementation to support India’s Blue Economy and Circular Bioeconomy.

Ashfauq Farooq Aga: Assistant Professor/ Scientist (Aquaculture Engineering), Faculty of Fisheries Engineering, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir (SKUAST –K) Shalimar.

1. Concept and Scope of Non-Conventional Aquaculture

2. Site Selection, Design and Water Quality for Diversified Systems

3. Pearl Culture Technology

4. Freshwater Pearl Farming in India

5. Ornamental Fish Culture

6. Seaweed Farming

7. Seaweed Farming in Indian Coastal Regions

8. Microalgae and Spirulina Production

9. Aquaponics – Integration of Fish and Hydroponics

10. Backyard Aquaponics and Urban Farming

11. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)

12. Duckweed and Azolla Cultivation for Feed Production

13. Aquatic Medicinal Plants and Wetland-Based Farming

14. Post-Harvest Handling and Value Addition in Diversified Farming

15. Policy, Entrepreneurship and Future Trends in Diversified Aquaculture