NT Reporter
Margao
The fisheries department has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for setting up a multispecies marine fish hatchery on a PPP basis at the existing hatchery site in Benaulim. The project covers hatcheries for Seabass, Cobia, Pompano, Shrimp, Bivalves and Marine Ornamental Fish, along with common infrastructure.
According to the RFP, the plan is to redevelop the 38,000 sqm facility, which is under the ownership of the directorate of fisheries but has been non-functional for many years. The proposal includes a seabass hatchery with an annual production capacity of 40 lakh seeds, a cobia hatchery with 5 lakh seeds, a pompano hatchery with 10 lakh seeds, a shrimp hatchery with 1 crore seeds, a bivalves hatchery with 1 crore seeds, and a Marine Ornamental Fish facility with 1 lakh seeds.
The project also envisages construction and development of common facilities such as seawater and freshwater intake systems, storage, effluent treatment and discharge units.
The scope of work includes converting the existing hatchery into a multispecies facility, equipping it with the necessary systems and infrastructure, managing and operating it in line with industry standards, and hiring qualified personnel. Developers must also obtain and maintain relevant certifications and create common associated infrastructure, including treatment facilities, as per guidelines.
Proposals have been
invited from both natio-
nal and international
developers.
It may be recalled that traditional fishermen from Benaulim had earlier demanded space at the site for their boats, nets and cold storage. They had even taken their appeal to the chief minister, who had assured them help and support.
