On World Ocean Day, Kerala proposes research network for sustainable fisheries
Kochi, June 8
The Kerala government is planning to establish a knowledge cluster bringing together research institutions and agencies involved in fisheries to share expertise, research findings and technological innovations, state Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor said on Monday.
Addressing a function organised at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here to mark World Ocean Day, the minister said the proposed cluster would help institutions work together to tackle emerging challenges in the fisheries sector and develop sustainable solutions.
The initiative assumes significance as the sector faces growing pressures from climate change, changing weather patterns, and declining availability of several fish species that were once abundant.
The minister said climate change and associated environmental changes had become serious threats to fisheries resources, making scientific intervention and coordinated action essential.
"The fisheries sector is facing several challenges, including climate change and pressure on fishery resources. Many species that were once commonly available are now showing a decline," he said.
The Fisheries Department will take the lead in coordinating efforts among research bodies and other stakeholders to strengthen scientific support, policy interventions and sustainable fisheries management, he added.
CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George presided over the World Ocean Day programme.
Abdul Gafoor also released the latest CMFRI publications during the event.
Earlier, the minister reviewed the preliminary proposal for the development of Munambam Fisheries Harbour at a stakeholder consultation held at the CMFRI.
The proposed Rs 200-crore project aims to transform the harbour with modern infrastructure and facilities to ensure that fishery products meet international export standards.
The meeting decided to prepare a harbour layout modelled on Kochi Harbour, incorporating 12-metre-wide roads and multi-level parking facilities for heavy vehicles.
The plan also includes features of a Green Smart Harbour, with environmentally sustainable infrastructure, advanced waste management systems and energy-efficient facilities.
A signal station to improve navigational safety and harbour operations has also been proposed.
The meeting decided to prepare a 3D model of the project within a month to facilitate funding support under central schemes, including the PMMSY and Sagarmala.
A further review meeting will be held within a month to take the project forward.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Rs 200 crore for Munambam harbour is a lot of money. Hope the 3D model and central schemes ensure transparency. But what about the small-scale traditional fishermen who can't afford modern infrastructure? They are the backbone of our fishing economy - need to ensure they benefit too, not just big exporters.
As someone who works in marine biology in the US, this is exactly what sustainable fisheries need - collaborative research. India has such rich marine biodiversity, but overfishing and climate change are universal threats. The green smart harbour concept with waste management should be a model for other coastal states too.
Good initiative but I worry as a Kochi resident - we already have traffic chaos near harbours. 12-metre roads and multi-level parking are welcome, but will the state actually execute this? Remember how many projects got stuck in feasibility studies? That said, modernizing fisheries infrastructure is critical for export quality. Let's hope CMFRI and the minister follow through quickly! 🙏
Impressive that Kerala is linking research with policy on World Ocean Day. The knowledge cluster could be a game-changer if it actually facilitates data sharing between institutions like CMFRI, CIFT and universities. But I hope the "sustainable solutions" aren't just buzzwords - concrete action on declining species like sardines and mackerel is needed.
My family depends on fishing near Kollam. It's good they're finally talking about climate change impact - we've seen species like kingfish disappear. But what about immediate relief for affected families? Research takes years, we need short-term support too
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