Marine Fisheries Sector of the country, beleaguered with the constraints of over capitalization, increased operational expenses and declined catch rates is at cross roads seeking a clear cut direction and guidance. The sector is undergoing rapid changes as the paradigm is shifting from coastal fisheries to sustaining the resource base. Sustainable development is a globally perpetuated goal for natural resource management and the basic principle that governs sustainable development of fisheries is that, it must be conducted in a way that does not lead to over-fishing or for those stocks which are over fished; the fishery must be conducted such that there is a high degree of probability that the stock(s) will recover and also fishing operations should be managed to minimize their impact on the structure, productivity, function and biological diversity of the ecosystem. The task of sustaining coastal fisheries is assuming challenging proposition with increasing dependent population on fishing, open access and climate change to name a few.

With regard to capture fisheries, although there is improvement in 2008, the scope for further expansion is extremely restricted. We need to stress on increasing bio-mass through mechanisms like FADs’ and open sea cage farming, strengthening our research on captive breeding of commercial species and formulate appropriate strategies for sustainable management. The open sea cage farming research initiated by us is a conspicuous venture towards this effort. The stability acquired in the designing and mooring the cages even in rough sea regions is a significant achievement compared to the beginning phase of very primitive and weak mooring. However, the interventions on Open Sea Cage farming attract lots of public attention as well as criticism due to its access and lack of real understanding of how the technologies are standardized. Depending on the region, we need immense support and encouragement from Government and Non-government agencies and coastal community. It would be imperative to pinpoint here that our investments in terms of mariculture research considering its potential is meager and need several fold amplification in order to achieve our goals in food production and also ensuring food security. In tune with the global trend, we need to promote Capture Based Aquaculture (CBA) i.e., making use of the natural seed of high valued commercial fish for cage/pond farming as a measure in increasing the production as well as conserving the juveniles by ensuring better survival rates and also spawning them at least once in innate conditions for enhancing their natural stocks. The notable fishes under experimental stage include Seabass, Chanos, Mullets, Red snapper, Koth, Ghol and Lobsters. The Institute has also taken up product development activities (which are in final stages) like ornamental fish feed, Salio feed, Green mussel extract, omega-3 fatty acid etc., which are of great demand in the domestic market and also import substitute. The products will be marketed under CMFRI brand “Cadalmin”, for which already Trade Mark approval has been obtained from Government.

Lets’ imbibe this mission with great sense of integrity and commitment...

(G. Syda Rao)