National

In a bid to boost the fishing sector in Telangana, the Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) has advised focusing on the commercial cultivation of Tilapia and fungus species, in addition to scampi shrimps, in the state’s reservoirs. The aim is to prepare treated fish for export to other countries.

MPEDA officials have lauded the efforts of Industries Minister KT Rama Rao in attracting investments from fishing companies and encouraging them to establish a plant near Mid Manair in Rajanna Sircilla, which they consider a significant milestone in the development of the state’s fishing industry.

These recommendations were put forth during a study tour by Pittla Ravinder, Chairman of the State Fisheries Cooperative Societies Federation Limited, to Kerala. The delegation also included officials from the Society for Assistance to Fisherwomen (SAF), the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kochi.

During the tour, Chairman Ravinder explored the possibility of introducing hybrid fishing boats powered by solar and wave energy in all of Telangana’s reservoirs, aiming to enhance the convenience of local fishermen.

Scientists and technicians from the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) pledged their full support for the development of Telangana’s fisheries sector. They offered scientific and technological cooperation to assist in the production of high-quality fish food items that have international popularity. Additionally, they expressed their willingness to provide technical support for the utilization of solar energy in cleaning and processing small fish, which are abundant in Telangana.

The CIFT technical department also committed to supporting the activities carried out by the Telangana Fisheries Federation in fish processing and value addition processes.

Governments of Telangana and Karnataka are contemplating the inclusion of fish curry in their respective Midday Meal Schemes (MMS), sparking discussions about the nutritional and economic advantages of this potential addition.

The Karnataka government has recently expanded the distribution of eggs to twice a week in the MMS. Meanwhile, the Telangana government is deliberating a proposal put forth by the Telangana State Fishermen Cooperative Federation. Experts have emphasized the potential benefits of introducing fish as a protein source for schoolchildren, aligning their diets with locally available food resources.

According to Development Educationist Dr. VP Niranjanaradhya, the inclusion of protein in children’s diets is essential as per the Food Security Act. An absence of protein can lead to an imbalance in their nutrition, primarily comprising carbohydrates and fats. Dr. Niranjanaradhya believes that children should have the option to choose their food and should be sensitized from an early age about dietary choices. In coastal regions like Mangaluru and Udupi, fish is a staple part of daily meals, and its inclusion can be cost-effective while benefiting local fishermen.

Dr. Sylvia Karpagam, a public health doctor and researcher, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that promoting local fish consumption can boost the local economy and support sustainability. Introducing fish in school meals, particularly in coastal areas and regions where dry fish is a dietary staple, could yield positive outcomes. However, Dr. Karpagam notes that Karnataka faced challenges when attempting to incorporate eggs into midday meals, and there was hesitation with similar initiatives like the Indira Canteens due to criticism.

Rishikesh Kashyap, Managing Director of the National Federation of Fishers Cooperatives, highlighted that the Telangana proposal includes various plans to promote the state’s fishing industry, such as introducing fish curry in midday meals. Similar proposals are under consideration in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Although the Karnataka government has not taken this step yet, a potential collaboration with local fishermen could facilitate the implementation of such a program, supporting the growth of the fishing industry in the state.

Source: Indian Express

An intergovernmental panel report on biodiversity has raised concerns over the devastating impact of the invasive Caribbean false mussel (Mytilopsis sallei) on Kerala’s native clams and oysters, crucial for local fisheries.

The Caribbean false mussel, originally from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South and Central America, has rapidly proliferated in Kerala, displacing native species and disrupting the local ecosystem. Notably, it has also outcompeted another invasive species, the American brackish water mussel (Mytella strigata), which previously posed a significant threat to the region’s waterways.

Researchers speculate that the Caribbean false mussel may have entered Indian waters through ships and subsequently spread to estuaries via smaller fishing vessels frequently traveling between coastal oceanic waters and Kerala’s fishing harbors.

An intriguing hypothesis presented in the report suggests that the spread of this invasive species might have been triggered by tropical Cyclone Ockhi, which struck the Kerala coast in 2017, potentially carrying the Caribbean false mussel into new habitats.

The report, released by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), highlights numerous case studies of invasive species contributing to the extinction of 60% of global plant and animal species. It emphasizes that the economic cost of invasive alien species exceeded $423 billion annually in 2019, with costs increasing significantly since 1970.

Invasive alien species are recognized as one of the five major drivers of biodiversity loss, alongside land and sea use changes, direct species exploitation, the climate crisis, and pollution. Over 37,000 alien species have been introduced to various regions and biomes worldwide due to human activities. Of these, more than 3,500 are considered harmful invasive alien species, posing significant threats to nature, human well-being, and quality of life.

While some alien species were intentionally introduced for their perceived benefits, the report indicates that nearly 80% of documented impacts from invasive alien species on ecosystems and biodiversity are negative. The most frequently reported impact is a reduction in the food supply, affecting various taxa and regions.

Additionally, the report underscores that invasive species also have health implications, contributing to the spread of diseases like malaria, Zika, and West Nile Fever, primarily transmitted by invasive alien mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.

“Invasive alien species have been a major factor in 60% and the only driver in 16% of global animal and plant extinctions that we have recorded, and at least 218 invasive alien species have been responsible for more than 1,200 local extinctions. In fact, 85% of the impacts of biological invasions on native species are negative,” noted Anibal Pauchard, co-chair of the assessment, in a statement.

Prozo, a leading player in the supply chain solutions arena, has unveiled its second enterprise-grade cold storage facility, strategically positioned in Krishnapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Nestled in the Eastern coastal region of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, this cutting-edge facility marks a significant expansion of Prozo’s service offerings, primarily dedicated to meeting the growing demand for cold storage solutions for seafood products.

This latest addition to Prozo’s infrastructure is conveniently situated approximately 25 kilometers from the nearest Highway NH16, making it well-placed to serve the needs of seafood producers, exporters, and distributors. Moreover, it enjoys proximity to key locations, with Nellore just 30 kilometers away, Sri City at 115 kilometers, Chennai at 170 kilometers, and Vizag at a distance of 700 kilometers.

Spanning an impressive 30,000 square feet and towering at a height of 39.8 feet, this facility is purpose-built for the storage of seafood products. It boasts a remarkable capacity to maintain ultra-low temperatures, reaching as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. The facility features 10 chambers, each thoughtfully designed to accommodate 280 pallets, utilizing robust G+4 heavy-duty racking systems.

Prozo’s core mission revolves around harnessing cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless end-to-end integrated supply chain solutions. At present, the company effectively manages supply chains for more than 100 enterprises, including well-known e-commerce giants. Their expansive fulfillment network spans 30 strategically positioned centers, strategically distributed across 12 locations throughout India, encompassing an impressive total area of 1.5 million square feet.

In Ranchi, a startling discovery has shaken the local community, as more than 8,000 fish were found lifeless in a dam, prompting swift action by the fisheries department. District Fishery Officer, Arup Kumar Chaudhary, revealed that the deceased fish, ranging from 500 grams to 1 kilogram in weight, were discovered in four cages meant for fish rearing at Getalsud dam.

In response to this concerning incident, State Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh wasted no time and ordered a comprehensive investigation on Saturday evening. Badal has instructed the department secretary to initiate the probe promptly and deliver a report as soon as possible.

Chaudhary and his team are determined to unravel the mystery behind this mass fish mortality. He articulated that there could be various factors contributing to this unfortunate event, such as oxygen depletion, diseases, or pollution. The prevailing suspicion leans towards a lack of oxygen or a possible disease outbreak as the root cause. However, a conclusive determination can only be reached after their investigative efforts are concluded.

According to Chaudhary, maintaining an oxygen level of at least five milligrams per litre in the water is essential for the survival of fish. If this level drops below three milligrams per litre, it can result in fish fatalities. He reassured the public that approximately 300 fish cages in the nearby Maheshpur area, adjacent to the affected site, housing around one and a half tonnes of fish, remain unharmed by this incident.