Fish Walk evokes overwhelming response from public
Kochi: A group of fish enthusiasts, including students and professionals on Saturday embarked on an unconventional expedition, known as Fish Walk, along with scientists and technical staff of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), to experience firsthand the diversity of fishes landing in the harbour.
A public outreach programme of CMFRI, the Fish Walk evoked overwhelming response from a
wide cross section of citizens in and around Kochi.
Early in the morning, the participants witnessed the bustling activities at Munambam Fisheries
Harbour and observed fish landings from nine trawlers. The catch comprised mostly large-head and small-head hairtails (ribbonfish), cuttlefish, squid, bulleyes, Indian scad, pufferfish and a
plethora of species in catch brought in for the fish meal industry.
A team of CMFRI led by Dr Miriam Paul Sreeram, Dr Ratheesh Kumar R, Aju Raju, Sreekumar KM and Sajikumar K K explained to the participants the marine diversity and their specialties in detail. Apart from getting a ringside view of diversity of marine landings, the participants were surprised to learn about the gill baskets of rays being used in Asian medicine, and the use of fish maw or air bladders of eels and croakers in food and wine-making industries. In all, the team recorded 42 fish species, 5 cephalopods and 2 shrimps, the diversity of which evoked deep interest from the participants. The landings were moderate on Saturday morning owing to inclement weather in the past few days.
The participants comprised of graduate and post graduate students and professionals from the banking, refinery and architecture sectors. They also learned about a range of topics, including dynamics of fisheries in Kerala, the various craft and gear, fishing trip economics, transporting and marketing of landings and socio-economic conditions of fishers. CMFRI experts also shared insights into how climate change is affecting oceans and marine ecosystems, providing the group with an understanding of challenges and issues in the marine fisheries sector.
“Fish Walk has elicited strong interest from across the society with applicants ranging from
primary school students to defense and police officials, homemakers, seafood industry workers, accountants, medical practitioners, college faculties and even senior citizens in their seventies”, said Dr Miriam Paul Sreeram, Principal Scientist and Coordinator of the initiative.
Subsequent Events
“All applicants will be accommodated in subsequent Fish Walk expeditions. The next Fish Walk will take place on 26 th October 2024 with a trip to Chellanam for 25 participants. Special
expeditions for researchers are also planned for the future. Schools and colleges in Ernakulam and other districts have also expressed willingness to take part in the event. All are also welcomed to explore CMFRI’s Marine Biodiversity Museum and Aquarium on working days, to
learn more about marine life”, Dr Miriam Paul Sreeram added.
Photo caption: Fish enthusiasts observing fish catch landed at Mumnambam Fisheries
Harbour along with CMFRI scientists as part of the Fish Walk on Monday.
Media Cell
CMFRI
