Conservation of lobsters Emphasized

The Fisheries College and Research Institute (FCRI), Tuticorin conducted a workshop, funded by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, on `Conservation of lobsters in the Gulf of Mannar' on 17th March.

Resources persons from FCRI took classes on topics such as lobster resources along Tuticorin coast, taxonomy and identification of lobsters, breeding techniques, production of lobster seeds and present stock biomass of lobsters in the Gulf of Mannar.

According to V. K. Venkataramani, Dean, FCRI, there was an urgent need to conserve the lobsters in the Mannar since its population was fast diminishing over the last five years. He said the fishermen should put back egg-bearing lobsters, caught in the nets, into the sea to enhance its production.

"Every stakeholder should try to prevent the destruction of coral beds in the Gulf of Mannar, In all, 30 fish traders, entrepreneurs, forest department staff and members of various eco development clubs constituted by the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust, participated.

Source: The Hindu