15 May 2026, Andaman & Nicobar Island
ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with the Fisheries Survey of India (FSI), observed Endangered Species Day today at FSI, Sri Vijaya Puram. The workshop-cum-awareness programme sensitized 55 fishermen from Puducherry, along with college students and research scholars from Pondicherry University, on the conservation of marine endangered species.
The Chief Guest, Dr. M. Muruganandam, Principal Scientist and Head, Fisheries Science Division, ICAR-CIARI, delivered an awareness lecture on the status, conservation, and management needs of endangered aquatic species. He highlighted the rich diversity of aquatic ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, estuaries, rivers, open oceans, and coastal habitats supporting marine mammals, fishes, crustaceans, molluscs, seaweeds, and gorgonids.
Dr. Muruganandam discussed the range of endangered species, causes of endangerment, and the urgent need for strengthened conservation efforts supported by scientific technologies, policy frameworks, and community participation. Explaining the concept of “Fishing Down the Ocean,” he outlined the impacts of climate change, marine pollution, habitat destruction, and overexploitation on marine biodiversity. Referring to the critically endangered Vaquita and global conservation initiatives, he called for responsible fishing practices to reduce bycatch and accidental entanglement of threatened marine fauna.
He emphasized the importance of seagrass rehabilitation for dugong conservation, protection of turtle nesting beaches, fishing regulations to conserve sharks and rays, and reef restoration measures to enhance coral reef resilience. He further highlighted scientific technologies and management approaches required for sustainable conservation and outlined ICAR-CIARI’s contributions towards protecting endangered aquatic resources through research, citizen science, and community participation.
The participants were briefed on the need for collaborative conservation efforts, highlighting the significance of Endangered Species Day and the role of FSI in marine conservation. The experts also explained the scheduled marine species and their key identifying features.
Dr. P. Govindasamy, Deputy Director, Fisheries Department, Puchucherry discussed the fisheries scenario in Puducherry, translated the discussions into Tamil for fishermen, and emphasized marine conservation.
Mr Nesnas, Assistant Director, Department of Fisheries, Sri Vijaya Puram, requested more such awareness programmes.
The fishermen expressed strong support for responsible and conservation-oriented fishing practices and suggested that fishing holidays and gear restrictions should be periodically reviewed based on scientific assessments and changing climatic and fishery conditions. The programme concluded with a shared commitment towards sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity conservation.
(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Island)
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