ICAR-CCARI, Goa organized a program on “Marine Awareness” for conservation of marine ecosystem

In collaboration with the Coastal Impact, an NGO works for marine ecosystem conservation, ICAR- CCARI, Goa organized "Marine Awareness" program on 16 January, 2024. The primary goal of the initiative was to enhance awareness about marine conservation, education, and research focusing on the significance of coral reefs to fish biodiversity and humanity. In his opening remarks, Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, highlighted the role of marine ecosystem and fisheries in the coastal region. He has also appreciated the efforts of Coastal Impact and expressed a keen interest in gaining further insights into the conservation of coral reefs. Shri. Trivesh Suresh Mayeker, Scientist (FGB) provided a brief introduction about the activities of Fisheries section of ICAR-CCARI. Mr. Jeremy Josh, a marine biologist from the Coastal Impact team delivered a lecture elucidating their approach in rebuilding the coral reefs of Goa. This encompassed raising awareness within the fishing community, outlining the entire process from selecting a reef location to constructing artificial reef structures, deploying reefs, fixing tiles, attaching corals, and conducting monthly growth measurements. The presentation also included underwater visual census videos showcasing their coral transplantation program. There was an active interaction between scientists, technical staff, research scholars, and coastal impact team on marine life conservation. After the deliberations, the team has also expressed their interest to sign an MoU with ICAR-CCARI in research, development and awareness program. Shri. Trivesh Suresh Mayeker, Dr. Sreekanth G.B., and field assistant B. Bjoy Borges coordinated the program, with technical support provided by Shri. Vishwajeet Prajapati.