Fisheries Minister K.A. Jayapal introduced a bill in the Assembly on Monday for the establishment of a Fisheries University in Nagapattinam taluk.
The university was being formed to impart quality education in different branches of fisheries sciences, conduct research in frontier areas with the objective of developing cutting edge technologies and to provide extension services like training, consultancy, project formulation to fish farmers, fishermen, unemployed youth and entrepreneurs in the industry.
According to the bill, the university will also generate baseline data on aquatic biodiversity and fisheries resource potential; create better opportunities for marketing and value addition of fish and fishery products and to facilitate comprehensive development of fisheries sciences for increased contribution to State's economy and set benchmarks and standards through appropriate interventions in fisheries teaching, research and extension. An aquatic disease diagnosis and surveillance system will also be set up in the State.
Apart from conferring degrees and diplomas, the university will establish and maintain colleges relating to fisheries sciences and laboratories, research stations and museums for teaching, research and extension education.
It will work with the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and Tamil Nadu Maritime Academy in areas of mutual interest to bring better benefits to the fisher folk.
For the purpose of establishing the Fisheries University, Animal Husbandry Minister T.K.M. Chinnayya introduced a separate bill to amend the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Act, 1989.
