The patented technology is designed to provide a cost-efficient, sustainable and less power-intensive approach to the live transportation of aquatic species

The ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology has been granted an Indian patent for an innovative technology for the waterless live transportation of aquatic species. The technology offers a potential alternative to conventional water-based and existing waterless transportation systems.

The invention, titled “A System and a Corresponding Method for Waterless Live Transportation of Aquatic Species,” addresses several major challenges associated with the conventional live aquatic transport, including the load associated with transporting water, the need for separate aeration, filtration and cooling arrangements, continuous power requirements, and dependence on plastic bags and other packaging materials.

The patented technology is designed to provide a cost-efficient, sustainable and less power-intensive approach to the live transportation of aquatic species. The system operates under controlled hyperbaric-hypothermic conditions, involving elevated pressure and reduced temperature, and comprises an insulated container equipped with suitable devices and holding arrangements for accommodating the aquatic species.

A key feature is its integrated monitoring and control mechanism. Sensors continuously monitor critical parameters such as oxygen, humidity and temperature, while predefined threshold values can be stored and compared with real-time measurements. The system can generate alerts when operating parameters move outside the desired range.

The technology provides both manual and automatic modes of operation. Experimental demonstrations carried out with different aquatic species yielded promising results, with survival rates of up to 95 per cent recorded.

The invention was developed by a multidisciplinary team of CIFT scientists comprising Parvathy U, B Madhusudhana Rao, Murali S, Binsi P K, Sathish Kumar K, Vishnu R Nair, and Jithin Joy T.

The patented technology represents a promising advancement towards developing more efficient and sustainable approaches for the live transportation of aquatic species, with potential applications in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Published on September 2, 2026