The project on demonstration of Prawn Culture in Island ecosystem was concluded with the imparting of training to the Islanders. The technology developed and standardised for brackishwater aquaculture in acidic soil was disseminated to the local community. This programme was implemented by the Marine Products Export Development Authority(MPEDA) by setting up an autonomous society - Andaman and Nicobar Shrimp Farming Development and Research Agency (ANSFDA). On completion of this project,this society was dissolved by MPEDA with the approval of Ministry of Commerce and the assets and liabilities were taken over by the Department of Ocean Development with effect from February, 1998. These facilities will be used for further implementing Island Development Programme.

The A&N Centre for Ocean Development(ANCOD) which was set up for coordinating the efforts on the Marine Living Resources in the Island Groups and to implement the ongoing programmes such as monitoring the coastal ocean pollution in the Andaman waters, coral reef rejuvenation, etc., was strengthened by posting a Senior Scientific Officer and by creating the posts of a Technical Officer and a Technical Assistant with supporting Administrative staff.

The achievements during 1997-98 include :

Continuation of the ongoing programmes such as rejuvenation of coral reef, studies on the ecology and environmental aspects of the A&N waters. The artificial structures deployed for rejuvenation of coral reef were examined periodically to study the growth of corals. It was observed that out of three places where the artificial structures were deployed, in one of them which has been deployed very near the existing natural coral reef, the growth was profusive and the entire artificial reef area was covered with hard and soft corals and was rich with ornamental reef fishes and invertebrates.

Completion of the project on shrimp culture.

Initiation of a multi-institutional programme on Island Development - Enhancement of Marine Living Resources through Sea ranching and sea farming initially for lobster fattening.