Concern at impact of climate change on fishery

Workshop on climate resilient aquaculture held by Fisheries College and Research Institute

Speakers at a workshop on ‘Climate Resilient Aquaculture’ (CRA’17) stressed the need to adapt to climate change on marine resources.

The workshop, organised by the Fisheries College and Research Institute (FCRI), Thoothukudi, to mark World Environment Day on Monday, was aimed at creating awareness on the impact of climate change on aquaculture among staff and postgraduate students.

P.Nammalwar, Professor and former Principal Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries and Research Institute (CMFRI), (ICAR), who was the chief guest, said natural resources should be conserved for the future generation of the globe.

Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, S.Felix, in his presidential address, stressed the need for adaptive mechanisms so as to have climate resilient aquaculture.

He also insisted that post graduate or Ph.D. thesis of research scholars of this University should have at least one objective on the impact of climate change in their research work.

During the technical session, the Vice-Chancellor delivered a special lecture on climate resilient aquaculture with an overview of climate change including the specific impacts of climate change on fish and food security with special reference to aquaculture.

Dr. Nammalwar spoke on climate change related hazards and vulnerability assessment in the coastal in the coastal marine ecosystems in India.

T.J.Pandian, National Professor (ICAR) spoke on the impact of climate change on fisheries and he pointed out the negative effects of global warming on fisheries, especially growth, reproduction and geographic distribution range of fishes.

Most specifically, Mr. Pandian explained about the climate change effects on endocrine disruption and increased male ratio, altered breeding season and reduced number of spawners, reduced fecundity and egg size.

P.Krishnan, Principal Scientist, National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad spoke on climate smart aquaculture – trends and opportunities and insisted on the role of academic institutes to identify the research gaps in framing the policy for climate change mitigation.

M.Muralidhar, Principal Scientist, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai elaborated the mitigation options of green house gases from aquaculture systems.

As many as 108 participants including the staff and research scholars of the university attended the workshop.

G.Sugumar, Dean, FCRI, Thoothukudi and Convener of the programme welcomed the gathering.

K.Riji John, Member, Technical Committee summarized the proceedings of the workshop.