The ICAR-NBFGR and DBT Germplasm Resource Centre for Marine Ornamental Invertebrates has been established on Agatti Island, Lakshadweep. Exploratory surveys conducted on pristine reef islands has revealed hidden diversity with discovery of two shrimp species new to science, Periclimenella agattii and Urocaridella arabianensis and range extensions for Thor hainanensis and Argeiopsis inhacae. Over 500 individuals of fifteen species of ornamental shrimps were collected from the wild for germplasm conservation and captive propagation. These fascinating ornamental shrimps exhibit myriad colours, semiotic association with other groups, behaviours and body forms, which make them attractive to hobbyists.

A hands-on training in marine ornamental shrimp rearing was organised at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep during March 2020 to develop a core mass of entrepreneurs to participate in community aquaculture. On the concept of harmonising conservation and livelihood, another initiative has established a live germplasm resource centre for clownfish species. This centre at Airoli, Mumbai, was established in collaboration with the Mangrove Foundation, Government of Maharashtra, and has ten species of clown fish conserved in captivity. This facility also serves as a master breeding facility to produce seed which can be given to trained beneficiaries to establish a value chain of production to trade. Currently, Amphiprion ocellaris, is under mass production for use in this community aquaculture program.