Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) budget for 2015-16 envisages setting up three new fisheries colleges in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Kollam.
The budget with a total outlay of Rs. 274.89 crore has proposed two regional centres for research in Kumarakom and Kannur. It has earmarked funds to the tune of Rs. 13.23 crore for various projects that include setting up a polytechnic and starting new postgraduate and online courses. The academic programmes recommended are M.Sc in marine chemistry, MBA in energy management, four M.Tech courses in fisheries engineering, biofuel, coastal and harbour engineering and ocean and coastal safety engineering and a PG Diploma in law from the next academic year.
KUFOS will offer Massive Open Online Courses in biodiversity assessment and management, food science and technology, bioinformatics, brackish water aquaculture, marine ornamental fish culture and marine technologies.
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The budget, presented by Vice Chancellor Prof. B. Madhusoodana Kurup, has plans to establish a linkage with the fishing community aimed at improving their living standards.
The budget has earmarked Rs. 205.16 crore for research. The varsity has plans to establish Centre for aquatic toxicology and germ plasm conservation, Centre for Vembanadu and Shasthamkotta Lake Ecosystem Assessment and Conservation, Centre for Advanced Research in Food Safety, Food Microbiology and Quality Assurance, Centre for Advanced Faculty Training (CAFT) and Centre for Ocean Science Education Excellence. The varsity will set up a Chair on Oceanography in the name of Prof. N.K. Panikkar, renowned oceanographer, and a Centre for WTO Studies.