KOCHI, 15 December 2018 : Scientists should focus on real science and its underlying truth while dealing with fisheries research, said Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

“With the advent of modern technologies, studies related to fisheries biology and classical taxonomy have been less prioritised these days”, he said while speaking on the valedictory of the 21-day winter school organised by the CMFRI.

“It is sad that many researchers today often get attracted to modern techniques and catchy jargons rather than delving into the real science behind many of our issues”, he said.

CMFRI organised the winter school to train young researchers on recent advances in fishery biology, marine certification, biodiversity evaluation and ecological analysis.

He also said that CMFRI is keen on expanding research collaborations in relevant areas with universities and other institutes. “Collaborative research will generate better data sets from every nook and corner of the country. Even small research or academic institutes with minimal infrastructure can do wonders through collaborative programmes”, he said.

Renowned scientists and experts in the area presented lectures on various sessions during the 21-day programme. The practical sessions were conducted in different laboratories of the institute and hands on training in latest software was also provided to the participants as part of the winter school. Researchers from Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala participated in the winter school.

Course Director Dr Rekha J Nair, Dr V Mahesh and Dr Ambarish Gopi spoke on the occasion.

Photo caption: CMFRI Director Dr A Gopalakrishnan speaking at the valedictory of the 21-day winter school at the CMFRI on Friday.