Octopus cookery show to spice up seafood fiesta alongside MECOS 4

Kochi: A global community of marine scientists, researchers, policymakers and industry experts will assemble in Kochi for three days from Tuesday to discuss the mounting challenges facing marine ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture. The fourth edition of the International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems: Challenges and Opportunities (MECOS-4) will begin at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). The event, focusing on climate change and sustainable aquatic resource management, will be inaugurated by Dr. S Somanath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), at 10 am at Platinum Jubilee Hall of CMFRI.

Organized by the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) in association with CMFRI, MECOS-4 comes amid a series of emerging threats to the marine environment, including rising sea temperatures and extreme weather events.

Around 1,000 delegates from India and abroad are expected to attend the event, engaging with approximately 500 research works presented across four critical themes: ecosystem and biodiversity conservation; sustainable fisheries and mariculture; climate and environment resilience; and products, value chain & livelihoods.

The event will also feature special sessions on women in marine biology and marine mammal research. Another highlight will be Wednesday’s industry meet, attended by key players in mariculture and seafood exports, designed to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and commercial application.

Aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) meeting will also be held during the conference. The symposium is expected to set the stage for a comprehensive roadmap toward achieving healthy oceans and a healthy humanity.

Octopus cookery show to spice up seafood fiesta alongside MECOS 4

Kochi: An exciting octopus cookery show will be one of the major highlights of a seafood festival to be held on the sideline of the Fourth International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems: Challenges and Opportunities (MECOS 4). Seafood enthusiasts and the general public can explore a flavourful experience as the three-day fiesta offers a wide variety of freshly prepared delicacies.

The event promises a blend of traditional coastal recipes and innovative fusion dishes, offering visitors a feast for the senses. The menu will feature Kallummakkaya (mussel) and octopus preparations along with a diverse fish, crab and shrimp varieties. Adding to the culinary excitement will be special items such as seafood biriyani and sagara sadya. The cookery show will be held from 3 pm to 5 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.