Tribal empowerment programme by ICAR-CCARI: distribution of fishing traps to traditional fishermen/women of Goa

 

     ICAR-CCARI caters Tribal Welfare projects funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi to improve the livelihood status of coastal farmers and fishermen.  The institute is currently undertaking the fish biodiversity research in Divar Island and is in process of documentation of fish and shellfish species from the Island region. About 50-60 traditional fishermen/women are currently active in the Island, who operate fishing gears, collect clams, oysters and mussels as a livelihood opportunity. In the recent past, the natural disasters such as cyclones, storm surge, high waves, anthropogenic activities, and most importantly, the current covid-19 pandemic impacted the fisheries livelihood in the island. In this context to support the fishermen/women of the Island, a programme was organized on 30th September, 2022 in Divar Island in which twenty estuarine fish traps and posters of fisheries resources were distributed to twenty tribal fishermen/women under ICAR-Scheduled Tribe Component (ICAR-STC). During the occasion, Dr. A Raizada, Director (In-Charge), ICAR-CCARI appreciated the efforts of fishermen in supporting the institute to document, conserve and manage the fishery of the island. He has also emphasized the fishermen to come forward and promote sustainable and eco-friendly fishing systems such as traps. Dr. Shirish Narnaware, Senior Scientist (Veterinary Pathology) and Section-In-Charge, Animal and Fishery Science ensured the complete co-operation from the institute for research and extension activities in the Island. The fisheries scientists of ICAR-CCARI; Dr. Sreekanth GB, Senior Scientist (Fisheries resource management) and Shri. Trivesh Mayekar, Scientist (Fish genetics and breeding) demonstrated the operation of the trap in the estuarine waters. The fishermen also operated the local fishing gears to demonstrate the type of common fish species caught from the island. Further the dignitaries distributed the traps to the beneficiaries. The fishermen/women also appreciated the efforts of the institute in improving the fishing conditions, income and livelihood of the fishermen and highlighted important issues in fishing that result from the natural and anthropogenic stressors. They also assured continued participation in the research and development activities of the institute. The programme was co-ordinated by Dr. Sreekanth GB, Shri. Trivesh Mayekar, Dr. Shirish Narnaware, and Dr. Paramesha V, Scientist (Agronomy) & STC Nodal officer.