Aquaculturists are up in arms with non-biological bodies partaking in aquaculture for sheer economic benefits. They allege that these non-biological bodies are responsible for throwing the ecological balance out of gear, and getting this perfectly balanced ecological practice branded as an environmental pollutant.

It is non-biological people indulging in intensive aquaculture who are responsible for spoiling this perfect eco-practice, and branding it as a cause of environmental pollution, says aquaculturist- cum- farmer Shekhar Harbhav Bhadsavli.``Aquaculture has been practised for several thousands of years then why is it that now it being termed as an environmental pollutant?'' he asks.

``Actually extensive aquaculture does not pollute the environment but helps retain a perfect ecological balance, vouches Bhadsavli. It is a myth that aquaculture causes environmental degradation due to conversion of agricultural lands into shrimp farms, salination of agricultural fields and salination of drinking water. Non-biologists indulging in aquaculture for the sole purpose of deriving economic benefits are responsible for the environmental pollution so often referred to by environmentalists,'' he says. Bhadsavli, with assistance from Giffard has proved that aquaculture can be practiced in perfect harmony with agriculture.

-- UNITED NEWS OF INDIA