CMFRI throws open wonders of marine life

KOCHI, 3 February 2024: A large number of people, mostly students, turned out to watch in awe giant fish like the humpead wrasee, whale shark, precious pearls, and more at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on 2 February 2024.

The open house exhibition held to mark CMFRI’s 77^th Foundation Day offered a glimpse into the wonders of marine biodiversity.

The museum, laboratories, marine aquarium, library, hatcheries, and agricultural technology centre were open to the public on the occasion.

An interactive display board at the museum with 3D marine species models supported by scientific information was a big hit, delighting visitors with a quick overview of marine biodiversity.

Badges to promote awareness of conservation

The distribution of illustrated badges conveying the message of conservation of marine resources, including those facing extinction, was a highlight of the exhibition. Students wore these badges and became part of a new awareness campaign.

Various species of fish, including hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, paper sharks, stingrays, guitarfish, and a variety of shellfish were on display in the laboratories.

Visitors also got attracted to the show of finfish and shellfish resources such as flying fish, dolphin fish, rare species of sharks and rays, giant tiger shrimps and giant-sized crabs. The exhibition also offered marine ornamental varieties, pearls, pearl oysters, squid jigs, different varieties of mangroves, seaweeds, corals etc. Ear-rings made up of fish otoliths also drew the attention of the public.

Models of cage fish farming, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system (IMTA), and recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) were demonstrated to the public. Research works shedding light on the genetic secrets of marine species were also on display. Laboratories related to molecular biology, bioprospecting, cell culture, fishery biology, environmental research, climate change, ocean acidification etc. also were opened to the public during the programme.