Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 28 June 2025
The Sri Vijaya Puram Zonal Base of the Fishery Survey of India (FSI), in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, North & Middle Andaman district, organized a one-day Workshop-cum-Awareness Programme on ‘Marine Plastic Litter’ at the Fish Landing Centre, Pokkadera on June 25.
The programme was inaugurated by Ms. Shweta K. Sugathan, IPS, Superintendent of Police, North & Middle Andaman, who attended the event as the chief guest and addressed the gathering. Other dignitaries present included Ms. Lata Hedge Prasad, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Mayabunder; Mr. Rajinikanth Awadhiyar, SDPO; and Mr. Tulsidas Bhardwaj, Assistant Commandant, Indian Coast Guard, Mayabunder. They graced the occasion as guests of honour and delivered felicitation addresses.
Mr. Bala Naik, Mechanical Marine Engineer, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the environmental challenges posed by marine plastic pollution. The welcome address was presented by Mr. Tapan Kumar Biswas, Assistant Director, Department of Fisheries, N&M Andaman, while Dr. C. Babu, Fisheries Scientist, FSI, delivered the vote of thanks.
A technical session followed, where Dr. C. Babu elaborated on the effects of marine plastic litter, the role of the Fishery Survey of India in its management, and key findings from recent marine surveys.
The programme, sponsored by Oil India Ltd., also featured various informative exhibits. These included displays on pollution caused by marine litter, a PMMSY-sponsored project on marine mammal stock assessment, the impact of marine litter on ecosystems, artificial reef deployment, fishing gear models, fish blowups, and fishery charts.
To further raise awareness, a fishermen’s rally and a cleanliness drive were also organized as part of the day-long event.
