DDG (Fisheries) Dr J K Jena unveils ICAR-CMFRI’s breakthrough achievements
Dr J K Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) visited the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi on 27th November 2024. During an interactive meeting, he unveiled the significant breakthrough achieved by ICAR-CMFRI 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 standardised 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 $15-25/fish.
The Ornate goby (Istiogobius ornatus) is a popular and high-value marine ornamental fish, prized for its vibrant colouration 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 online retail trade price in international markets is 15 to 30 USD. It thrives in sandy substrates within coral reef ecosystems. ICAR-CMFRI standardised captive breeding and seed production of this for the first time in India.
Innovative micro feed CadalminTM Microfin released
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.
Field Guide for Digitally Smart Marine Fisheries Production Data Management
A Field Guide for digitally smart marine fisheries production data management prepared by Fisheries Resource Assessment, Economics and Extension Division of ICAR-CMFRI was also released by DDG at the function. This is aimed 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.
DDG Dr J K 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 presided at the function. Dr George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT; Dr Shoba Joe Kizhakudan, Head of Finfish Fisheries Division and Dr V V R Suresh, Head of Mariculture Division were present on the occasion.
