ICAR-CMFRI Conducts ICAR-Notified Training Programme on Marine Sciences
As per the ICAR Training Calendar–2026, a Short-Term / On-the-Job Training Programme on “Marine Sciences” for Students and Researchers was scheduled to be organized at the Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI). Accordingly, following all prescribed codal formalities and administrative procedures, the training programme was successfully conducted from 01 to 19 June 2026 at the Mandapam Regional Centre. The programme was designed to provide participants with comprehensive exposure to various facets of marine science through a combination of classroom lectures, practical demonstrations, hands-on training, laboratory sessions, and field visits. The training curriculum covered a wide range of subjects relevant to marine fisheries, marine ecosystems, and mariculture technologies. The major topics included: Marine fishery resources and fisheries management, Fishing crafts and gear technologies, Marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, Marine habitats, including coral reefs and mangroves, Ecosystem services, threats, and conservation strategies, Marine fish breeding and hatchery technologies, Mariculture and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), Live feed production techniques, Marine pond aquaculture, Seaweed farming technologies and value addition, Marine ornamental fish breeding and culture, Marine pearl production technologies, Water quality management in aquaculture systems, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations and coastal management, Aquatic animal health management and Application of Electron Microscopy in marine science research. A training manual was also prepared and distributed to the participants.
To supplement the theoretical knowledge imparted during the programme, extensive practical and hands-on training sessions were organized. The trainees were provided opportunities to gain first-hand experience in various laboratory and field-based activities related to marine science and aquaculture. As part of the experiential learning component, several educational field visits were arranged to important marine and fisheries-related facilities. These included visits to fish landing centres, shell craft industries, sea cage farming units, seaweed farming sites, and seaweed processing industries. These visits enabled the participants to interact with stakeholders, understand field-level operations, and appreciate the practical applications of the technologies discussed during the training.
The programme attracted significant interest from students and researchers across the country. A total of 21 participants from different states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, enrolled in and successfully completed the training programme. All participants paid the prescribed training fee as per ICAR norms. The training programme also generated institutional revenue amounting to Rs. 1,23,900/- (Rupees One Lakh Twenty-Three Thousand Nine Hundred only) through the collection of training fees from the participants. The feedback received from the trainees was highly encouraging. Participants appreciated the well-structured curriculum, quality of lectures, practical exposure, field visits, and the excellent facilities provided by ICAR-CMFRI. They expressed that the programme significantly enhanced their understanding of marine sciences and provided valuable insights into emerging areas of marine fisheries and aquaculture research.
The inaugural and valedictory functions were presided over by Dr. K. Vinod, Principal Scientist and Head, Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI. During the valedictory function, certificates and training manuals were distributed to the participants. All the trainees expressed their sincere gratitude to ICAR-CMFRI, Mandapam Regional Centre, the Course Coordinator, the resource persons, and team CMFRI for organizing a highly informative and professionally enriching training programme. The successful conduct of this training programme has further strengthened the role of ICAR-CMFRI as a premier institution for capacity building and human resource development in the fields of marine sciences, fisheries, and mariculture.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Anikuttan K. K., Senior Scientist, who served as the Course Coordinator, and supported by Co Coordinators, Dr M Sankar, Dr Vikas P A and Dr Naveen Kumar B T.
