Aquaculture

Owing to growing concerns over the detrimental impact of industrial pollution on local fish populations, Pittala Ravinder, Chairman of the Telangana State Fisheries Federation (TSFF), has directed officials to take immediate measures to prevent fish deaths in tanks. During a visit to various tanks in the Patancheru mandal, Ravinder observed a significant number of fish fatalities attributed to effluents discharged by industries into these water bodies.

Expressing the urgent need for a coordinated effort between the Industries department and the Pollution Control Board (PCB), Ravinder emphasized the importance of protecting fish from the adverse effects of pollution. He highlighted the indiscriminate release of pollutants by industries, leading to the demise of fish and causing hardships for fishing-dependent families.

Ravinder called upon PCB officials to initiate legal action against industries found responsible for polluting the tanks. This directive underscores the chairman’s commitment to safeguarding the aquatic ecosystem and ensuring the well-being of communities reliant on fisheries in the region.

The move aims to address environmental concerns, uphold sustainable fishing practices, and hold accountable those industries that neglect responsible waste disposal, emphasizing the broader significance of environmental protection and the welfare of local livelihoods.

Kochi – In response to the concerning rise in whale stranding events along the Indian coast, a dedicated research team from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has launched a comprehensive 100-day coastal survey. This initiative, part of a collaborative research project with the Fishery Survey of India under the Ministry of Fisheries, focuses on assessing the stock and population of marine mammals in Indian waters.

Commencing the survey from Kochi, researchers will delve into understanding the diversity and distribution of marine mammals within 12 nautical miles of the Indian coast. The primary objective is to analyse the correlation between stranding events and changing climatic conditions, employing habitat modelling and recording stranding incidents.

The joint project aspires to garner a holistic understanding of marine mammal behaviour, population dynamics, and ecology. This knowledge is considered pivotal in formulating effective conservation measures for India’s marine mammal populations.

R Ratheesh Kumar, Principal Investigator of the project, highlighted the potential impact of extreme climatic events on the behaviour and distribution patterns of marine mammals. Kumar emphasized that species in these ecosystems are highly sensitive to environmental factors such as habitat changes, shifts in distribution, alteration in migration routes, and climatic conditions like rising ocean temperatures, changing cyclonic patterns, and storm surges.

The increased frequency of cyclones and storm surges, according to Kumar, might be contributing to the rising incidents of whale strandings. To address this, the CMFRI team aims to closely monitor such occurrences at sea and gather crucial data for in-depth analysis.

The marine mammal assessment project was initiated by the institute in 2021, during which 16 marine mammal species were recorded within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through on-board visual surveys. After a temporary hiatus, the project has been resumed in 2023, employing the line transect methodology for sighting and species-level counting of animals. The well-trained observers use binoculars and the naked eye alternately during the survey, systematically sampling specific areas for marine mammals to ensure representative coverage of the entire region.

Godavarikhani’s annual fish exhibition has taken a plunge into the extraordinary this year with a captivating Fish Exhibition at its heart. Showcasing hundreds of exotic fish varieties from around the globe, this two-month-long event, which kicked off on September 10, has firmly established itself as one of the district’s largest and most eagerly awaited happenings.

Drawing a diverse crowd that includes residents from various regions and even national visitors, the exhibition offers not only a mesmerizing aquatic display but also an array of stalls featuring toys, play equipment, thrilling games, and delectable snacks—all meticulously designed to bring joy and entertainment to the local community.

Ensuring a hassle-free experience, the organizers have gone the extra mile by installing green mats throughout the venue and providing free Wi-Fi to facilitate digital payments. Notably, the entry ticket price has been adjusted to 100 rupees this year, reflecting the enhanced offerings.

A unique underwater tunnel setup provides visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to observe a diverse array of aquatic life in one location. With over 2,000 fish on display, the Fish Expo has become a must-see attraction, attracting crowds eager to witness this extraordinary aquatic showcase.

Godavarikhani’s annual exhibition continues to evolve, becoming a hub for not only local and nationally recognized brands but also a platform for unique and unforgettable experiences. The Fish Exhibition stands as a testament to the organizers’ commitment to pushing boundaries and providing the community with an unparalleled blend of entertainment and cultural enrichment.