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ICAR CMFRI identifies two more seer fishes from Indian waters

In a breakthrough in the marine fisheries sector, the researchers of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have identified two more species of seer fish, the most sought-after high-value marine fish.  They discovered one species named Arabian sparrow seer fish (Scomberomorus avirostrus) as entirely new to science and resurrected the other, Russell’s spotted seer fish (Scomberomorus leopardus) which was previously a synonym of the spotted seer fish.According to the findings by a team of taxonomists led by Dr E M Abdussamad, Principal Scientist of ICAR-CMFRI, the spotted seer fish (Scomberomorus guttatus) that was once considered a single species, is a complex of three distinct species. These include the newly discovered seer fish, the resurrected seer fish, and the existing spotted seer fish.  With this finding, the total number of top-demanding seer fish species in Indian waters rose to six from the existing four species.This discovery emerged from a comprehensive taxonomic study on spotted seer fish found along the Indian coast. The study highlighted considerable divergence in the morphometry and genetic structure of these fishes collected from different regions of the coast.The new species was given the common name of Arabian sparrow seer fish by the ICAR-CMFRI team, owing to its typical bird-beak-like snout. This inhabits the Arabian Sea coast north of Mangalore and its distribution extends up to the Arabian Gulf based on the available scientific information. Distribution of the other two was along the Bay of Bengal coast north of Nagapattinam, including the Andaman Seas, and China Sea.These three seer fish species are smaller in size compared to their counterparts and are mostly found in nearshore waters. Their tasty flavour and high market value make them a prized catch.

Potential to marine fisheries  

“This is a significant achievement that adds to our understanding of marine biodiversity and has the potential to contribute to the country's marine fisheries sector in several ways”, said Dr Abdussamad. This achievement represents a significant milestone in marine taxonomy and fisheries research, shedding light on the rich and diverse marine life along the Indian coast, he said.These are the fourth and fifth species in the series discovered and gifted by the team to science.Their previous findings include one new species each of barracuda, chub mackerel, and queenfish.  

Arabian Sparrow seer fish (new species)

Russell’s spotted seer fish (resurrected species)

Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing visits ICAR-CMFRI

A delegation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing visited the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi on 28^th June 2023. Headed by PC Gaddigoudar, Loksabha Member from Bagalkot constituency in Karnataka, the panel visited various research facilities at the institute, including laboratories and interacted with scientists to assess CMFRI’s research programmes on marine fisheries and allied areas. The committee consisted of six Members of Parliament and other officials, including Uttam Chand Bharadwaj, Secretary to the delegation. Dr Shubhadeep Ghosh, Assistant Director General (Marine Fisheries) of ICAR was also present on the occasion.The committee was briefed on ICAR-CMFRI's works encompassing marine capture fisheries; mariculture activities like cage fish farming, seaweed farming, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and technology development for breeding commercially important marine fishes; marine biodiversity and environment management; fish genetics and marine biotechnology; socio-economic aspects and extension activities, etc.  

Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of ICAR-CMFRI and the Heads of various Divisions discussed the Institute's plans for the future, emphasising its efforts to maintain the sustainability of the marine fisheries with the committee members. The panel was impressed with ICAR-CMFRI's research and its contributions to the development of the marine fisheries sector in India. They said that the institute is playing a vital role in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable fisheries.Besides the Committee Chairman, the panel comprised MPs Dr Anil Sukhdeorao Bonde, Masthan Rao Beeda, Ram Nath Thakur, Devendra Singh and Ramilaben Becharbhai Bara. 

ICAR-CMFRI develops nutraceutical to boost immunity related to post-COVID complications

Delegation from Michigan State University, USA visits ICAR-CMFRI

As part of a student exposure-cum-training programme jointly organised by the University and the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi and the Michigan State University in the United States, a delegation of students and faculty from the MSU’s James Madison College visited the ICAR-CMFRI and Kerala during the period of 11-26 July 2023.  The team was impressed with a diverse range of entrepreneurial ventures in the fisheries sector spearheaded by various women groups in villages.Led by Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs Professor Linda Racioppi and Prof.  Sejuti Dasgupta, 10 students pursuing Comparative Culture and Politics interacted with ICAR-CMFRI Director Dr A Gopalakrishnan and Heads of various Divisions to learn about the research activities of the Institute. They were introduced to the research and fisheries extension activities of ICAR-CMFRI. The team also explored various aspects of fisheries, including marine capture fisheries, cage fish farming, Chinese fishing nets and fish markets, and collected insights on livelihoods in the sector. This was the third such programme hosted by the ICAR-CMFRI on the basis of an MoU between the two institutes.