Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 02 July 2024
A pioneering three-day training programme on ‘Marine Ornamental Fish Breeding’ began on July 2, 2024, at the Fisheries Training Centre in Marine Hill. Organized by the Department of Fisheries of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration in collaboration with ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) from Cochin, the training aims to harness the rich marine biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The programme is designed to provide technical knowledge and hands-on experience in breeding, seed production, and larval rearing of marine ornamental fishes, specifically clownfish and damselfish.
Inaugurating the programme, Mr. Vishwendra, Secretary (Fisheries), lauded the Department of Fisheries for initiating specialized training in the fisheries sector. He assured the full support of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration in establishing Marine Ornamental Fish Breeding Units by the beneficiaries. Mr. Vishwendra emphasized the economic benefits of the marine ornamental fish trade, stating that captive breeding would enable the islands to become a significant player in the marine ornamental fish trading and export sector without depleting natural stocks.
During the inaugural session, Mr. Vishwendra also released a comprehensive training manual. The manual covers all aspects of marine ornamental fish breeding, including brooder collection, breeding setup creation, larval nutrition, and health management. It is intended to serve as a ready reference for entrepreneurs interested in starting ventures in this sector.
Mr. Vikram Singh, Director of Fisheries, highlighted the financial assistance available under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for setting up backyard Marine Ornamental Fish Units, Integrated Marine Ornamental Fish Units, Ornamental Fish Brood Banks, and Ornamental Fish Kiosks. He emphasized the Department’s initiatives in providing training, financial support, and marketing infrastructure for fish breeding and seed production ventures. Mr. Singh urged participants to actively engage in the programme and to pursue the creation of Marine Ornamental Fish hatcheries and trade opportunities for both local and international markets.
Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director (Fisheries), and Ms. V. Sheeja, Deputy Director (Fisheries), also addressed the inaugural session. The training sessions will be conducted by Dr. Anuraj A and Dr. Ambarish P. Gop, scientists from the Vizhinjam Centre of ICAR-CMFRI. A total of 25 beneficiaries will receive training during the programme, which concludes on July 4, 2024.