Kerala Governor Justice P Sathasivam today inaugurated the year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here.
In his address, the Governor stressed the need for addressing the issues being faced by the fishermen and fish farming community while carrying out research and preparing policies in fisheries sector.
"The research activities and policies should be helpful to improve the livelihood of fisher folks and fish farmers.
New technological advancements should be designed in such a way to wipe out the tears of fishers who are the corner stone of the sector," he said.
"No scientific organisation can succeed by remaining alienated from the people.
CMFRI should be committed to the welfare of the fisher folk by helping to ensure sustainable fisheries through participatory mode.
"Researchers should increase their interaction with such communities and improve their awareness about opportunities for sustainable livelihood," the Governor said.
He also said ensuring the health of the sea has to be the top priority to maintain the sustainability of fisheries.
"Scientists should focus on research activities aimed at solving the issues being faced by the marine biodiversity.
More inter-sectoral cooperation and utilisation of useful traditional knowledge are required for this," he said adding research institutes should also increase the employment of a biotechnological approach to enlarge fisheries and other related products.
He appreciated the efforts of CMFRI for promoting open sea cage farming across the country.
The development of hatchery technologies would also help to increase people's participation and ensure better results in fish production, he said.
Meanwhile, the Governor released a marine fisheries
policy brief prepared by the CMFRI which highlights the global status of fishing using lights as an attractant and scientific stance on light fishing, giving recommendations for its management and regulations in Indian waters.
The Non-Detriment Findings (NDF) study report prepared by CMFRI for export of shark and ray species listed in Appendix II of the CITES was also released during the function.
The Governor also released Cadalmin Anti-Hyper Cholestrolemic Extract, a neutraceutical product developed by CMFRI for obesity and launched the mobile app named 'Fish Finder Version1' to identify the fish varieties.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director General (Fisheries) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, J K Jena stressed the need for strengthening regulations in order to conserve the fisheries resources and maintain the sustainability in the sector.
