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HomePosts Tagged "ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute"
Acquaculture, Allied Industry, R&D, Sustainability

The Mariculture Division of ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre successfully developed and standardized the seed production technologies of Azure damsel and Ornate goby, which are of high value in the marine ornamental fish industry and have high demand globally

Dr J K Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, visited the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, today. During an interactive meeting, he unveiled the significant breakthrough achieved by ICAR in the captive breeding of two marine ornamental fishes, Azure damsel and Ornate goby. The Mariculture Division of ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre successfully developed and standardized the seed production technologies of these species, which are of high value in the marine ornamental fish industry and have high demand globally. Dr Jena released the seeds of these two ornamental species to marine aquarium entrepreneurs at the function.

Azure damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) is a reef-associated fish mainly distributed in the Indo-West Pacific region, Eastern Indian Ocean, and Indonesia. This species is over-exploited from its natural habitat, which is now considered under the vulnerable (VU) category of the IUCN Red List. The larval rearing technique has been standardized for the species for the first time in India. The current market value of this fish in India is around Rs 250-350/fish, and the international market rate is USD15-25/fish.

The Ornate goby (Istiogobius ornatus) is a popular and high-value marine ornamental fish, prized for its vibrant coloration and intricate patterns. The species is exported chiefly from Sri Lanka, mainly to the United States and other developed countries. A marketable-sized (5-8 cm) fish costs Rs 200-250 in India, while the online retail trade price in international markets is 15 to 30 USD. It thrives in sandy substrates within coral reef ecosystems. ICAR-CMFRI standardized captive breeding and seed production for the first time in India.

On the occasion, Dr J K Jena also released CadalminTM Microfin, an innovative micro-feed designed for the early-stage earing of altricial marine finfish larvae of cobia and pompano. This was developed by the Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition, and Health Division of the Institute.

A Field Guide for digitally smart marine fisheries production data management prepared by the Fisheries Resource Assessment, Economics, and Extension Division of ICAR-CMFRI was also released by the DDG at the function. This aims to equip field staff with essential knowledge for accurate data collection using the Fish Catch Survey and Analysis (FCSA) system, ensuring reliable data for sustainable marine fisheries management.

A training manual on ‘Know Your Marine Biodiversity and Environment-MarBiE training series-3, the latest issue of the Marine Fisheries Information Service (MFiS), and a pamphlet on ‘Culture of Colurella Adriatica: Super Minuscule Rotifer for larval rearing of fishes’ were also released on the occasion.

Dr Jena interacted with scientists, staff, and research scholars, underscoring the necessity of translating research findings into tangible benefits for the community.

Dr Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI, was present on the occasion.

The Mariculture Division of ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, India

Black soldier fly larvae will be utilized to transform the waste into sustainable protein sources, offering an alternative to fish meal in mariculture feed.

 George Kurian, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs inaugurated the black soldier fly-based bio-waste conversion unit at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi. As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign led by ICAR-CMFRI, the newly established unit is designed to process vegetable and fishery-related biological waste, adhering to zero waste and circular economy principles. Black soldier fly larvae will be utilized to transform the waste into sustainable protein sources, offering an alternative to fish meal in mariculture feed.

Kurian stated that the Swachh Bharat initiative is dedicated to improve all facets of human life, from production and development to fisheries, agriculture, and the industrial sector. Prioritising cleanliness and sanitation will help create a healthier and more prosperous society, he added. The Minister also said that the government’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) programme aims to foster a behavioural change with a mindful and deliberate utilisation of natural resources. He also accentuated that efforts are underway to expand the installation of artificial reefs in the coastal waters of all maritime states, led by the Union Fisheries Department.

Kurian interacted with fish farmers and entrepreneurs in ornamental fisheries, fish seed production, integrated fish farming and fish vending.  He reviewed various facilities, ICAR-CMFRI including Science Technology and Innovation Hub, hatcheries, laboratories and library.

Dr Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI, emphasized that the Institute followed a scientific approach to swachhata initiatives, including eco-friendly and low carbon technologies in the marine fisheries sector. ICAR-CMFRI focuses on community-based awareness campaigns, especially among women entrepreneurs, helping them to take up these technologies”, he added.

Dr Kuldeep K Lal, Director, ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, also graced the occasion. A book titled ‘One Decade of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at ICAR-CMFRI’ and a brochure on BSFL based bio-waste conversion were released by the Minister on the occasion.

Black soldier fly larvae will be utilized

Acquaculture, India, Live Stock, R&D, Sustainability

The program generated nearly 3,000 man-days during the 8-month culture period, with an average daily earning of Rs 380

In a major achievement in fostering the efforts of the Government of India for the development of the seaweed enterprise as another driver of the economy of Lakshadweep, the commercial-scale pilot seaweed farming guided by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Cochin has turned out to be a huge success in the large-scale pre-feasibility studies during 2022-23 season. The endeavour of the TSC-Purple Turtle Company, Tuticorin, aided by the ICAR-CMFRI and the Lakshadweep Administration has the potential to boost the economy of the archipelago and provide a new source of income for the local community, especially women.

The seaweed farming enterprise was initially launched in Chetlath, one of the smaller islands in Lakshadweep with a population of nearly 2,500. Six plots of 100 tube nets each were established by the end of September 2022, with a seed stock size of 3 tons per plot. The first harvest yielded nearly 15 tons in 45 days. The entire harvest was used to expand the farm horizontally, increasing the farm size to 30 plots with 3,000 net tubes by the end of November 2022. Subsequent harvests were done every 30-45 days, and the farm was further expanded in the same atoll as well as in the neighbouring atolls of Kiltan and Kadmat.

Women were the main workforce, and nearly 20 of them from different Self Help Groups were employed to carry out various farm activities such as preparing tube nets, seeding, and harvesting. The program generated nearly 3,000 man-days during the 8-month culture period, with an average daily earning of Rs 380.

The program generated nearly 3,000 man-days during

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Climate, R&D

The product is a synergistic combination of seaweed-based nutraceuticals, which is a 100 per cent natural blend of highly nutritious bioactive ingredients extracted with eco-friendly ‘green’ technology

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi (ICAR-CMFRI) has developed a nutraceutical product from select seaweeds to boost the innate immunity related to post-COVID complications, named as CadalminTM Immunalgin.

The product was released by the Chief Guests Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, and Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, at a function during the ICAR Foundation and Technology Day.

The product is a synergistic combination of seaweed-based nutraceuticals, which is a 100 per cent natural blend of highly nutritious bioactive ingredients extracted with eco-friendly ‘green’ technology. Dr Kajal Chakraborty, Head of the Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division of the ICAR-CMFRI led the research works to develop the product.

The product is a synergistic combination of

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, India, Live Stock, R&D, Sustainability

The endeavour has the potential to boost the economy of the archipelago and provide a new source of income for the local community

In a major achievement in fostering the efforts of the Government of India for the development of the seaweed enterprise as another driver of the economy of Lakshadweep, the commercial-scale pilot seaweed farming guided by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Cochin has turned out to be a huge success in the large-scale pre-feasibility studies during 2022-23 season. The endeavour of the TSC-Purple Turtle Company, Tuticorin, aided by the ICAR-CMFRI and the Lakshadweep Administration has the potential to boost the economy of the archipelago and provide a new source of income for the local community, especially women.

The seaweed farming enterprise was initially launched in Chetlath, one of the smaller islands in Lakshadweep with a population of nearly 2,500. Six plots of 100 tube nets each were established by the end of September 2022, with a seed stock size of 3 tons per plot. The first harvest yielded nearly 15 tons in 45 days. The entire harvest was used to expand the farm horizontally, increasing the farm size to 30 plots with 3,000 net tubes by the end of November 2022. Subsequent harvests were done every 30-45 days, and the farm was further expanded in the same atoll as well as in the neighbouring atolls of Kiltan and Kadmat.

Women were the main workforce, and nearly 20 of them from different Self Help Groups were employed to carry out various farm activities such as preparing tube nets, seeding, and harvesting. The program generated nearly 3,000 man-days during the 8-month culture period, with an average daily earning of Rs 380.

The potential of seaweed cultivation in Lakshadweep has been known from the research and development programmes of the ICAR-CMFRI since August 2020 under the auspices of the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) of the ICAR, New Delhi. The enterprise is currently passing through the initial phase of exploration, capacity building, and foundation development. The ICAR-CMFRI, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Lakshadweep, and private companies conducted farming trials to determine the growth performance of commercially important, indigenous species like Gracilaria edulis and Acanthophora spicifera in each island over the seasons. During this period, local men and women from many of the islands were trained in seaweed farming in large numbers. Periodic consultations were held with the prospective stakeholders, local farmers, the seaweed industry, researchers, and the Government, where the results and experiences were shared and the way forward was discussed. This in turn led to M/s TSC-Purple Turtle Company, Tuticorin carrying out the first-ever commercial-scale pilot farming in the island territory.

The ICAR-CMFRI suggests a two-pronged approach for developing the seaweed enterprise in the islands. Private companies farm commercially high-value indigenous species on their own using local people as their workforce, promoting the local societies or individuals to farm for companies on contract farming mode. This will provide an additional livelihood for the local community, especially the women. The Lakshadweep Administration is actively popularising the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Mudra Loans programme of the Government of India in Lakshadweep in the fisheries sector. This is expected to have a positive impact on the development of the seaweed enterprise.

The establishment of seaweed hatcheries, seed reserves, seaweed health monitoring facilities, and incubation facilities for mariculture, as well as the processing and value addition of seaweeds, are expected to contribute to the development of the seaweed enterprise. Research needs to be continued on standardising the protocols for newer species of seaweeds of varying utilities. The ICAR-CMFRI is working with the NITI Aayog as well as the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India, and the U.T of Lakshadweep Administration to generate scientific information, build skills, provide technical support services, and draw policy guides for sustainable and inclusive seaweed enterprise development in the island territory.

The endeavour has the potential to boost

Acquaculture, Company News, India

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between CMFRI and Kerala-based company Emineotech for the commercial production 

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has announced that Cadalmin LivCure extract, a patent-protected nutraceutical product developed by the researchers at CMFRI from seaweeds, against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, will hit the market soon.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between CMFRI and Kerala-based company Emineotech for the commercial production and marketing of the product.

A unique blend of 100 per cent natural bioactive ingredients extracted from select seaweeds, the product is made of an eco-friendly green technology to improve liver health, and is the ninth nutraceutical developed by the CMFRI.

According to Dr A Gopalakrishnan, CMFRI director, “Commercialisation of the product will be greatly beneficial to a large number of people suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as it helps improve liver health, reduce disposition of fatty substance and maintain other liver/lipid parameters within the clinically acceptable limits.” 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, India, Live Stock

Initiated by the Shellfish Fisheries Division, ICAR-CMFRI, it aims at restoring the depleted population of pearl oysters in the region.

Tuticorin Regional Station of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi sea-ranched 5 lakhs hatchery-produced pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata) spat of 5 mm size in select areas in the Gulf of Mannar. This stock replenishment measure was initiated by the Shellfish Fisheries Division, ICAR-CMFRI aimed at restoring the depleted population of pearl oysters in the region.

District Collector K. Senthil Raj inaugurated the sea ranching near ‘Tharaipaar’ close to Tsunami Nagar, Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.  This activity should enhance the livelihood of coastal fishers including fisherwomen in the coming years to uplift their social life. Also, two cages of different sizes with settled spat were deployed for the regular monitoring of sea-ranched pearl oyster spat for its growth at this location.

Tuticorin is popularly known as “Pearl City” as it was served as a capital of pearl production and trade centre since time immemorial until 1961 when the pearl fishery was completely banned by the Department of Fisheries for the protection of dwindling pearl oyster stocks. Tuticorin Regional Station of ICAR-CMFRI, due to the huge demand for marine pearls, had initiated research work on cultured pearl production and perfected the technology in 1973.

Local fishers of Thoothukudi district especially women fishers from Sippikulam village were trained by ICAR-CMFRI Scientists for the entrepreneurship development in pearl culture technique through funded research programmes. The hatchery produced spat can be raised as an adult and used for pearl culture. ICAR-CMFRI has done commendable work on sea ranching of pearl oyster spat in the paars earlier. However, regular fishing activities in the paar areas kept the population under control without attaining its healthy stock status.

At present, ICAR-CMFRI is planning to rejuvenate the pearl oyster stocks in the pearl oyster paars of Gulf of Mannar through its sea ranching programme. Close monitoring will be carried out to assess its survival and sustainability through dedicated research activities. During the programme, the fishers from the Tsunami colony, who are descendants of pearl fishers and presently engaged in chank fishery, shared their experience of their ancestors and expressed their interest in carrying out pearl culture activity with the support of the Tuticorin Regional Station of ICAR-CMFRI.

Initiated by the Shellfish Fisheries Division, ICAR-CMFRI,