Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 01 September 2025
The Department of Fisheries conducted an awareness programme on ‘Field Identification of Scheduled/Protected Fishes’ on August 29 at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill. The programme aimed to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in recognizing and safeguarding marine biodiversity in the Islands.
Dr. Bineesh K. K., Scientist-E, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, delivered an in-depth session on the identification of scheduled and protected fish species found in Andaman & Nicobar waters. A key highlight was his technical presentation on the taxonomy of sharks and rays in India, followed by practical demonstrations on field identification techniques to enhance on-ground skills.
Complementing the session, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Senior Zoologist, ZSI, Kolkata, conducted an online lecture on marine molluscs covered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Concluding the programme, Dr. Bineesh urged participants to actively survey in the field and take precautionary measures to avoid the catch of scheduled fishes, thereby contributing to marine biodiversity conservation and promoting sustainable fishing practices in the Islands.
Officials from the Department of Environment & Forests—the nodal department for implementing the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in the marine fisheries sector of the A&N Islands—also attended the programme and participated in an interactive session. (Story Based on PR)
