Synopsis
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Kochi hosted a fascinating open house to commemorate its 78th Foundation Day, featuring a massive whale skeleton that drew large crowds and highlighted marine conservation efforts.Key Takeaways
- Massive whale skeleton as the main attraction
- Focus on marine conservation and research
- Distribution of stickers for protected species
- Engaging art installations on marine litter
- Exhibition of advanced marine technologies
Kochi, Feb 3 (NationPress) A huge whale skeleton became the main attraction for numerous visitors during the open house at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Monday, celebrating its 78th Foundation Day.
The event provided an intriguing look into the marvels of marine life, emphasizing conservation efforts for marine mammals and other threatened species.
This exhibition served as a compelling visual tool to raise public awareness about whales and highlighted CMFRI's ongoing research concerning stock and by-catch assessments of marine mammals in Indian waters.
To promote conservation, illustrated stickers of 19 protected species like whale sharks, humphead wrasses, and seahorses were handed out to students.
The CMFRI's national marine biodiversity museum, featuring 2,856 specimens, along with laboratories, a marine aquarium, a library, hatcheries, and an agricultural technology center, was accessible to the public during the open house.
A significant number of students visited the institute to observe a variety of marine life, including fish, mollusks, algae, sea snakes, crustaceans, precious pearls, and shell jewelry.
The exhibition also showcased the severe impact of marine litter through an art installation representing ocean strata.
This visual display served as a reminder of the microplastic menace to marine resources and the fragile ecosystem.
A popular whale shark selfie station attracted attention, informing visitors about the critical need for conservation of this gentle giant.
The fisheries laboratories exhibited various captured fish, such as sharks, rays, swordfish, batfish, and tunas, alongside shellfish varieties, including prawns, lobsters, crabs, and cuttlefish.
Visitors explored big-eye binoculars used for offshore marine mammal surveys, oceanographic instruments for assessing physical ocean parameters, seaweed cultivation techniques, and various marine technological innovations.
Guests had the chance to learn about the black soldier fly-based waste management system.
Models of cage fish farming, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems (IMTA), recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and biofloc farming were also displayed.
A scientist-student interaction provided a platform for sharing knowledge about CMFRI's research and technological advancements in the marine fisheries sector. Laboratories focusing on molecular biology, bioprospecting, cell culture, fishery biology, environmental research, climate change, and ocean acidification were open to the public during the event.
