Arshid Rasool
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 (JKNS): A media delegation from Srinagar, organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, visited the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Thursday to gain first-hand insights into India’s marine fisheries research, advanced aquaculture technologies, and marine biodiversity conservation initiatives.
As per news agency JKNS, During the visit, the delegation interacted with Dr. B. Santhosh, Head of the Vizhinjam Regional Centre, who provided a detailed overview of CMFRI’s mandate, research priorities, and contributions toward sustainable marine resource management. He highlighted the institute’s pivotal role in providing scientific advice, policy support, and technical solutions to Union and State Governments, aimed at enhancing fish production, mariculture, coastal livelihoods, and nutritional security across India.
The delegation was guided by Dr. Rathi Bhuvaneswari, Senior Scientist, through the Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium, which educates stakeholders on sustainable marine practices while showcasing India’s rich marine biodiversity. The team also visited the Silver Pompano Broodbank, developed for quality seed production, and the Breeding and Hatchery Complex of Giant Trevally and Silver Pompano, demonstrating advanced techniques in breeding, larval rearing, and hatchery management.
Further, the journalists toured the Bivalve Hatchery, Microalgal Photobioreactor, and Live Feed Copepod Unit, where detailed explanations were given on live feed production, larval nutrition, and experimental aquaculture models designed to enhance climate-resilient fisheries. These facilities underline CMFRI’s focus on technology-driven, sustainable, and climate-adaptive mariculture practices.
The delegation also learned about CMFRI’s significant contributions to India’s Blue Economy and fisheries sector, including:
Annual income generation of ~₹3 crore, with 70% reinvested into research and development.
Development of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) techniques, enhancing yields of finfish and seaweed.
Sea-ranching of Penaeus semisulcatus, increasing shrimp catch in Palk Bay by 17.5%.
Identification of 146 potential cage farming sites along India’s coastline, with a production potential of 2.11 million tonnes of fish.
Mapping of 333 potential seaweed farming sites with a production potential of 9.68 million tonnes (wet weight).
Training of over 7,200 stakeholders annually in fisheries and mariculture, with 42% participation from women and marginalized communities.
Research outputs in marine biodiversity, climate resilience, and fishery economics, including peer-reviewed articles, patents, and policy documents supporting India’s seafood trade (₹19,875 crore in 2022, 31% of total exports).
The field visit provided the journalists with practical exposure to cutting-edge innovations in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, hatchery management, and fishery conservation, highlighting CMFRI’s critical role in promoting sustainable fisheries, food security, and climate-resilient coastal development.
This visit forms part of a five-day media outreach programme organized by PIB Srinagar to familiarize journalists with national research institutions, technological interventions, and developmental initiatives in Kerala. The delegation was led by Shri Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar, serving as the conducting officer for the programme.
The engagement emphasized the importance of bridging scientific research with public awareness, showcasing how innovations in marine fisheries and aquaculture can drive India’s sustainable Blue Economy, livelihood enhancement, and marine biodiversity conservation. (JKNS)
