Kochi: A collaborative research project involving seven fisheries research institutes in the country has been launched to develop ornamental fish industry in the country.
The joint research initiative is mainly aimed at developing adequate technologies in breeding, seed production and culture of freshwater and marine ornamental species and help maintain the sustainability of the industry. Seven fisheries research institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are partnering in the project with the Cent-ral Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) being the leading institute.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the project held at CMFRI, Dr J.K. Jena, deputy director general of ICAR, stressed the need for having strong linkage between researchers and industry partners in the ornamental fish sector in the country to utilise the potential resources available in the country.
He also said that the network research project would address the issues being faced by the ornamental fish industry in India.
Dr Jena said; “Thou-gh the potential for the development of ornamental fish trade in the country is immense, proper mechanism is yet to be established to boost both the overseas and domestic trade of the varieties”.
Stating that the government has identified this sector as one of the thrust areas for development to augment exports, he said quality, quantity and sustainability are the prerequisites for stable export.
In India marine ornamental fish species diversity is rich in the reef area of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, Gulf of Mannar and Gulf of Kutch.
The freshwater ornamental fish resources are rich in the rivers and streams of the Western Ghats and North East India.
