Field visit and interaction with the women self-help group from Bhatye estuary, Maharashtra

 

A field visit was organized to the Bhatye estuary, Maharashtra, covering its upper, middle and lower reaches, on 18 January 2025. This visit aimed to plan a study regarding the fish community structure and ecosystem modelling of the estuary, in collaboration with the College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri. Additionally, the study will include an assessment of molluscan resources in the estuary, a critical livelihood activity for local fishermen and fisherwomen. The scientific team including Dr Sreekanth GB, Senior Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI, Goa, and Dr Santosh Metar, Associate Professor, College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri, visited and interacted with the self-help group, ‘Kajali- Kandalvan Paryatan Group’ that manages fisheries and ecotourism activities in the mangrove areas of the estuary under the guidance of the Mangrove Foundation. This group operates ecotourism programs, sharing knowledge about mangrove diversity and conservation with tourists, thereby promoting awareness about mangrove restoration and the estuary's ecological health. The scientific team assured all the scientific and technical support for the activities of the group. This discussion included documenting the fisheries profile of the estuary, and creating an inventory, conducting hands-on training on fish identification employing citizen science approach. The members of the self-help group expressed their gratitude to the scientific team and assured collaboration in research and development activities. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sreekanth GB, Dr. Santhosh Metar, Shri Trivesh Mayekar (scientist, ICAR-CCARI), Ms. Rimaj Kaji and Mr Kishore Shirke (research scholars).