The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has taken a significant step in its efforts to enhance native fishery resources by strengthening its collaboration with the Department of Fisheries. This extended partnership was formally announced by Vice-Chancellor Dr. T. Pradeep Kumar on August 29, during a ceremonial event at the KUFOS headquarters. The initiative is part of the broader Fish Production and Development Project in Dams 2024-25, which aims to increase the population of native fish species in the State’s reservoirs.
As a symbolic start to this project, Dr. Kumar distributed native fish seeds, underscoring the university’s commitment to advancing sustainable fishery practices. The Department of Fisheries has strategically selected the endangered species Manjakuri, which is recognized on the IUCN Red List, for the initial phase of the project. This species will be stocked in the Peringalkuthu reservoir, located in the Chalakudy River, as part of a targeted effort to revive and protect vulnerable fish populations in Thrissur district.
The event also marked a crucial milestone in the project, with the formal handover of fish fingerlings to Ms. Tasleema, the Fisheries Officer at Chalakudy Malsya Bhavan. This gesture signified the commencement of the first phase of the stocking process. During the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kumar reaffirmed KUFOS’s unwavering support for the Department of Fisheries, emphasizing the university’s commitment to expanding the initiative to other dams across Kerala.
The event was well-attended by notable figures, including Registrar in Charge Mr. Dinesh Kaipilli, Project Investigator Mr. M.K. Sajeevan, Dr. Anvar Ali P.H., Dr. Rajeev Raghavan, and Farm Manager Ms. Bindumol Abraham. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort and shared vision between the university and the Fisheries Department in ensuring the success of this vital project aimed at preserving Kerala’s aquatic biodiversity.
Source: The Hindu
