Workshop on freshwater fish species

Large number of native species is facing the risk of extinction for want of conservation strategies, said K. Venkataraman, former Director of Zoological Survey of India.

Inaugurating the four-day national workshop on integrative taxonomy of freshwater species, organised by the Centre for Taxonomy of Aquatic Animals, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), here on Tuesday, Mr. Venkataraman called for creating awareness for ensuring the conservation of the endangered species.

Research on the status and database of all the species should be given priority and strategy action plan formulated for making conservation measures effective. Taxonomy of many organisms is yet be settled and finalised. The service of taxonomists was required to scientifically assess the aquatic wealth and propose the major threats being faced by the species, he said.

The workshop is being organised to introduce an integrated approach on taxonomy to conserve the fresh water fishes in the country with a special focus on species in the Western Ghats.

B. Madhusoodana Kurup, Vice Chancellor of the University, presided over the function. K Padmakumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, KUFOS, V. N. Sanjeevan, V. M. Victor George, K. Ranjeet and Rajeev Raghavan spoke on the occasion. Technical sessions on integrative taxonomy freshwater fishes will be held from Wednesday.