Pearl fisheries provide precious pearls which are obtained from pearl-oysters. These are usually found on the ridges of rocks or dead corals forming extensive pearl banks at a depth of 18-22 meters and a distance of 19 km from the sea-shore.

The main centers of pearl fisheries in the country are the Gulf of Mannar, the Gulf of Kachchh and the Palk Bay. The Tuticorin region along the East Coast is the most important pearl producing region of the country.

In recognition of the important role of inland fisheries in overall production of fish, the Govern- menthes been implementing an important programme in inland sector, viz., the Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDAs). These agencies provide a pack­age of technical, financial and extension support to fish farmers.

A network of422 FFDAs are function­ing now covering all potential districts in the coun­try. Water area brought under intensive fish culture through the efforts of these FFDAs in 3.87 lakh hectares up to 1995-96 besides providing training facility to 5.04 lakh fish farmers. The Central Insti­tute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, and Orissa promote R & D in freshwa­ter aquaculture.