Greetings to all..
Established in 1947, ICAR-CMFRI has emerged as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute of the world. In the nearly 8 decades of its existence ICAR-CMFRI has made significant contributions to research on marine fisheries management, mariculture, marine ecosystems, marine fish taxonomy and biology and marine biotechnology in India. The Institute has a unique historical database of over 9 million catch and effort data records from all maritime states of India. ICAR-CMFRI also conducted the first ever holistic assessment of marine fish stocks of India using micro-analytical methods, in which 135 stocks were assessed and 91.1% found to be healthy. In a first of its kind, the institute conducted a marine mammal stock assessment of the Indian EEZ, in an effort to streamline seafood export of wild-caught fin- and shell fish. In marine fisheries management the Institute has brought forth policy guidance for several maritime states of India to enhance sustainability in marine fisheries of the country. ICAR-CMFRI’s researchers have described several species new to science with an equally strong database on the bioeconomic characteristics of exploited marine finfish and shellfish species of the Indian seas. ICAR-CMFRI has led efforts to restore fish habitats through Artificial Reef deployment along 4 states of India which has resulted in 17 to 30% increase in fishery yields. In marine biotechnology the Institute has completed whole genome sequencing of the Indian oil sardine and the green mussel. Additionally, ICAR-CMFRI has developed and commercialized 12 nutraceuticals for human well-being and to treat lifestyle diseases. In mariculture, ICAR-CMFRI has developed hatchery technologies for 38 species including food fish, shellfish and ornamental fish. The institute has also developed and popularized cage farming technology in the country. As a result of the tremendous effort of the ICAR-CMFRI family and as recognition of the Institute’s outputs, ICAR-CMFRI has bagged over 140 awards during the last decade.
Though significant achievements have been made, we cannot rest on our laurels. As the 17th Director of ICAR-CMFRI, the dream is to transform the Institute into a truly global leader in marine fisheries and mariculture, pioneering sustainable practices and technological advancements for the benefit of tropical marine ecosystems and coastal communities worldwide. To achieve this goal, we need to steer research in a direction that expands India’s marine fisheries and mariculture beyond the Indian EEZ, promotes sustainable resource management, and aligns institutional mandates with a global perspective. Strategic initiatives for the future should include developing AI-based marine resource identification systems, advancing the island fisheries of India, managing transboundary fish stocks, upgrading fish stock status assessments, enhancing mariculture production through genetic improvement and CRISPR-Cas technology, and exploring in vitro meat of marine fishes as a promising future for sustainable seafood. With the clear and present challenge of climate change, we need to focus on research on climate-resilient species and aim for net zero targets in our research systems. With the talent pool available and the dedicated support of the entire ICAR-CMFRI family, a new future for the Institute awaits, embodying the true spirit of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
With best wishes.
Dr. Grinson George
Director
Email: director.cmfri@icar.gov.in
