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ZIRO: The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Rahara, Kolkata, in collaboration with the fisheries department, organized a one-day training on ‘Integrated Fish Farming Technologies’ at Hari community hall in Lower Subansiri district on Wednesday.

A total of fifty farmers participated in the program, which aimed to create awareness among fish farmers in the district about recent advancements in integrated fish farming technologies. The training focused on enhancing fish and fish seed production and productivity.

Resource persons addressed the issue of recurring low productivity and provided expert tips to overcome these challenges. The importance and integration of fisheries, livestock, horticulture, and agriculture farming were also emphasized during the program. The holistic approach aims to alleviate poverty and enhance the socio-economic conditions of fish farmers.

Principal Scientist Dr. S. Adhikari from ICAR-CIFA, Rahara, Kolkata, along with DVO Dr. H. Tama, DHO Hibu Dante, DAO Tasso Butung, DFDO L. Lasa, and others attended the program, contributing to its success.

Guwahati: The Golaghat district administration in Assam has issued an official order prohibiting illegal entry and community fishing in water bodies, rivers, and wetlands within Kaziranga National Park (KNP) during the upcoming Magh Bihu festival. The prohibitory measures, effective immediately, will remain in force until January 16, as announced by District Magistrate P Uday Praveen

The decision follows a letter from the Divisional Forest Officer of Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Bokakhat, expressing concerns about a significant number of people entering the park for community fishing during Magh Bihu, citing it as a tradition. The authorities fear that illegal entry may lead to law and order issues, and the congregation for community fishing might result in traffic congestion on NH 715.

The order emphasizes that illegal entry into the national park constitutes a cognizable offence, violating sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is a non-bailable offense, according to an official from the forest department. The Magh Bihu celebrations span three days, commencing on January 14.

Kerala: Responding to a distress call on January 11, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully saved the lives of twelve fishermen who were at risk of drowning off the Kerala coast. The rescue operation targeted the fishing boat ‘Sanju’ near Ponnani, Kerala. Utilizing resources efficiently, the ICG deployed ICG Aryaman, C404, C144, and CG ALH for the mission.

The damage control team from ICG Aryaman boarded the distressed boat and initiated an intensive de-flooding operation using submersible pumps. The prompt action of the Indian Coast Guard ensured the safe rescue of all 12 crew members. Following the successful operation, the fishing boat and its crew were handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Azhikode, Kerala. The boat was safely escorted back to Munambam harbour.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Defence in Kochi shared this information through an official post on X, highlighting the timely and effective response of the Indian Coast Guard in preventing a potential maritime tragedy off the Kerala coast.

Thoothukudi: Unfavourable weather conditions and rough seas disrupted fishing operations in Thoothukudi on Thursday, prompting authorities to advise fishermen against venturing into the sea. The inclement weather resulted in the anchoring of all mechanized boats and country boats in the district on January 11.

Due to the rough seas, only 21 out of the 260 mechanized boats operating from the Thoothukudi Fishing Harbour were able to engage in fishing on Wednesday. Despite a few more boats preparing to set sail on Thursday, the Department of Fisheries, relying on weather reports from the Indian Meteorological Department, issued a cautionary advisory to fishermen, recommending them to abstain from fishing on Thursday as well.

Citing the possibility of heavy winds with speeds of up to 55 km per hour in the deep sea, fisheries department officials emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and advised against venturing into the sea for fishing.

Consequently, as a precautionary measure, all mechanized boats and country boats in the district remained anchored on Thursday, ensuring the safety of fishermen and their vessels amid challenging weather conditions.

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, spearheaded the second day of Sagar Parikrama Phase-XII at the Kakdwip Research Centre of the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) in the South Parganas district of West Bengal. The event witnessed the presence of esteemed officials, including Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Dr. L.N. Murthy, Chief Executive, officials from the Government of West Bengal, and other dignitaries.

During the visit, Minister Rupala underscored the importance of upscaling technologies developed by the research centre and emphasized the need to disseminate technological advancements among the farming community. A focal point of discussion was the development of low-cost feeds to support brackishwater aquaculture, aligning with the government’s initiatives to enhance the sector.

The Union Minister toured various facilities at the research centre, including the Fish & Shellfish Hatchery, Feed Mill, and Fish Waste Processing Unit. His review encompassed ongoing activities and showcased technological innovations, including the production of low-cost feeds and various aquaculture feeds. Demonstrations on fish waste recycling and the development of value-added products like CIBA-Plankton Plus & CIBA-Horti Plus were also featured.

Accompanying Shri Parshottam Rupala were Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries), and Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Chief Executive I/c & Senior Executive Director of the National Fisheries Development Board.

Dr. Debasis De, Head of the Kakdwip Research Centre, provided insights into the centre’s infrastructure, ongoing research activities, and developed technologies. Notable initiatives in species diversification and breeding and captive maturation of regional fish and shellfish species were highlighted. Species such as Hilsa, Bengal bream, Knight goby, Tade mullet, Speckled shrimp, Orange mud crab, among others, were part of the research focus.

The visit aimed to showcase the advancements in aquaculture and foster further developments in the sector, aligning with the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative practices in fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying.

Lucknow: The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) in Lucknow marked its 40th Foundation Day with a series of events, including the release of fish seeds, tree plantation, and an Open House Day that provided free access to school students. The celebrations aimed to highlight the institute’s achievements and contributions to fish germplasm conservation.

The day commenced with the release of fish seeds at the Live Germplasm Resource Centre, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to preserving fish genetic resources. Simultaneously, a tree plantation initiative added an environmental aspect to the celebration.

An Open House Day was organized, allowing more than 500 visitors, including school students, to explore the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities. The National Fish Museum-cum-Repository and the Ganga Aquarium were among the attractions, providing visitors with valuable insights into India’s diverse aquatic biodiversity.

Established in December 1983 initially in Allahabad, ICAR-NBFGR dedicated itself to researching and conserving the country’s fish germplasm resources. The institute’s permanent infrastructure was later developed in 1999 at Canal Ring Road, Telibagh, Lucknow, covering an expansive area of 52 acres with facilities such as an administrative block, laboratories, farm, and residential complex.

Uttam K Sarkar, the director of ICAR-NBFGR, highlighted the institute’s journey over the past four decades, emphasizing its role in advancing research related to fish germplasm conservation in India.

The event featured Shiv Prasad Kimothi, member (Animal and Fisheries Science) of ASRB, as the chief guest, along with other distinguished guests of honour. The celebration not only marked the achievements of ICAR-NBFGR but also aimed to inspire future generations to engage with and appreciate the rich aquatic biodiversity of the country.

Two fishermen lost their lives, while four others are in critical condition after being exposed to harmful gases emanating from rotting fish offal. The Yellow Gate police have registered a case of accidental death in connection with the incident.

The unfortunate incident unfolded when the fishing boat named Anjani Putra, which had been at sea for 12 days, docked at the new fish jetty. In the early hours of the morning, workers from the fishing community in Dana Bandar went to unload the fish. Around 11 am, two of the workers, identified as Seena Yadav, 34, and N Rangaswamy, 28, experienced difficulty breathing due to the overpowering stench of the decaying fish offal and later succumbed to suffocation.

Fellow fishermen and neighbours revealed that the fish, brought in from the sea, is typically stored in special units below the deck, adequately iced to maintain freshness. However, in one unit where small fish, offal, and other by-products are collected for pesticide production, inadequate refrigeration led to the rotting of offal and the release of harmful gases.

Yellow Gate police officials explained that as the initial two workers struggled to exit the underdeck unit, four others attempted to rescue them, leading to all six individuals being exposed to poisonous gases. Despite efforts, Seena Yadav and N Rangaswamy passed away before reaching JJ Hospital, while the remaining four, identified as Suresh Mekla, Pampapati Yadav, Guruswamy Yadav, and Suresh Yadav, are currently battling for their lives.

The entire community is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic incident, prompting authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the exposure to the harmful gases.

In a setback to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s ambitious plan to ban the sale of fish, poultry, and meat in the open, the state finance department has delayed the implementation of a proposal to establish smart fish parlours in major cities of Bhopal. The initiative, part of the Mukhyamantri Machhua Samridhi Yojana, aimed to create hygienic and transparent fish-selling outlets, free from unpleasant odours and stray animals.

The proposal, with a modest budget of Rs 20 crore, intended to fund municipal bodies in setting up smart fish parlours across the state. Each parlour, costing Rs 5 lakh, was designed to provide clean and sanitary conditions for selling fish.

However, the finance department, in a circular issued on June 30, 2023, decided to put the scheme on hold, diverting funds towards government announcements and schemes leading up to the November 2023 assembly polls. Despite the relatively small budgetary requirement, the finance department cited the need to meet other financial commitments.

The Mukhyamantri Machhua Samridhi Yojana, valid for two years until the end of this financial year, could potentially be revived if the finance department gives the green light. Currently, work under the scheme has commenced in three cities—Hoshangabad, Tikamgarh, and Dhar—with funds already allocated for these locations.