Redeveloped Marine Research Aquarium and Mariculture Training Centre inaugurated at ICAR-CMFRI Calicut Regional Station
The redeveloped Marine Research Aquarium and Mariculture Research and Training Centre were inaugurated at the Calicut Regional Station of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) on 20th August 2026. This is expected to strengthening the Station’s role in marine research, public outreach, skill development and technology transfer.
The Marine Research Aquarium was inaugurated by Adv. Jayanth, MLA, while the Mariculture Research and Training Centre was inaugurated by Dr J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR. Dr Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI, presided over the programme.
The facilities are set to become important hubs for learning, training, technology development, transfer and livelihood improvement in North Kerala. The Marine Research Aquarium will serve as a public outreach, awareness and scientific communication facility showcasing marine biodiversity and fisheries resources, while the Mariculture Research and Training Centre will provide a platform for practical training, technology demonstration, skill development and dissemination of sustainable mariculture practices.
Dr Jena emphasised the need to achieve Aatmanirbharta in fisheries and aquaculture by 2047 through scientific culture practices, capacity building and adoption of new technologies. Dr Grinson George stressed developing the Calicut Regional Station as a major centre for research, education and technology transfer, with stronger linkages among scientists, academic institutions, fishers and aquaculture farmers. Dr Anulekshmi, Head, Calicut Regional Station, highlighted the station’s research in mariculture, training, fisheries policy and outreach activities and the role of the redeveloped facilities in taking ICAR-CMFRI technologies to students, fishers, farmers and the public. Mr Aneesh P., Joint Director, North Zone, Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala, highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. Fisher leaders and more than sixty stakeholders participated in the programme.
As part of the programme, certificates were presented to 10 best-performing mariculture Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from North Kerala, recognising their contribution to mariculture-based livelihoods. Fishing accessories and fishseeds were distributed to selected stakeholders.
