Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, New Delhi, visited the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram on 13thNovember 2024. During his visit, he interacted with fisheries scientists and all division heads. Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, provided a brief overview of the institute's achievements and activities. Dr. K. Saravanan, Principal Investigator, gave a presentation on the progress of the second phase of the NSPAAD project.Dr. Jena suggested establishing an FRP carp hatchery at CIARI and recommended exploring the inclusion of ICAR-CIARI in the All-India Network Project on ornamental fish. He also encouraged exploring the potential for seaweed farming in deeper waters using techniques practiced in Southeast Asia. Additionally, he proposed conducting a feasibility study for seaweed farming in collaboration with CMFRI, Cochin.
The meeting concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. R. Kirubasankar, Senior Scientist, followed by a visit to the Dweep ornamental fish unit. Dr. J. Praveenraj provided insights into various native and endemic fish showcased at the unit, and Dr. Jena emphasized the need to develop a breeding protocol for a prominent ornamental species.A visit to the Marine Hill Research Laboratory followed, where Dr. Jena supervised ongoing activities, including mud crab fattening, shrimp biofloc culture, and the marine ornamental fish unit.