Kochi: A five-day workshop focusing on capacity building in marine fish taxonomy concluded in Kochi on Thursday. Themed ‘Ichthyotaxonomy: Journey from Conventional to Molecular Methods,’ the event is hailed as a significant milestone in enhancing comprehension of ocean biodiversity. Jointly organized by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources and the Fishery Survey of India, the workshop aimed to equip young researchers and academics with essential skills in fish taxonomy, utilizing both conventional and molecular methods to explore new species.
Marine fish taxonomy is an evolving field, adapting to the continuous discovery of new species and the re-classification of existing ones based on scientific evidence. Taxonomy plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, serving as the foundation for informed decision-making on conservation and sustainable resource utilization.
Distinguished personalities such as U.K. Sarkar, Director of ICAR-NBFGR; R. Jeyabaskaran, Director General of the Fishery Survey of India; M. Habibullah, Director of CIFNET; Shine Kumar, Director of NIFPHATT – National Institute of Post Harvest Technology And Training; Sijo P. Varghese, Zonal Director of the Fishery Survey of India, Kochi; and T. T. Ajith Kumar, Head of ICAR-NBFGR, Kochi, along with other eminent scientists, actively participated in the workshop.
Dr. Sarkar, emphasizing the significance of integrated taxonomy and its role in cataloguing marine fishery resources, highlighted that 50 species had been discovered in the last 40 years, with 25 of them originating from Peninsular marine waters. The workshop attracted 45 participants from various research and academic institutions across the country. The event featured both theoretical sessions and hands-on practical training in conventional and molecular taxonomy techniques, providing a comprehensive learning experience for the participants.
