Diamond jubilee celebration of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute held in Tuticorin

A yearlong diamond jubilee celebration of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), under the Union Ministry of Agriculture, commenced in Tuticorin recently .

The institute organised an exhibition on its premises to elucidate the culture of pearl and oyster, seed production of sea cucumbers and marine biodiversity of the Gulf of Mannar to college and schools students.

Different varieties of ornamental fish such as groupers and cat fish, along with sponges and corals, were displayed. The marine aquarium on the premises was thrown open to visitors. The institute plans to conduct quiz and elocution competitions for children and hold `brainstorming' sessions to disseminate information on marine creatures through out the year.

The Principal Scientist at CMFRI, P. Muthiah, said that the institute would intensify research to develop technologies for breeding and seed production of groupers, ornamental fish and sea breams in the diamond jubilee year.

Besides, plans are afoot to strengthen the database on marine fish landings through enhanced surveys.