Port Blair, Dec. 1: The Department of Fisheries in association with Dakshin Foundation and Andaman Nicobar Environment Team (ANET) organized Sagar Mela in Wandoor. The Sagar Mela, an outreach programme with the theme ‘Conservation of Fisheries resources & Sustainable Development’ is first of its kind celebrated in A&N Islands. The event was inaugurated by Shri Vikram Singh, Director of Fisheries, A & N Administration. The Director of Fisheries appreciated the efforts of Dakshin Foundation and Andaman Nicobar Environment Team (ANET) for their efforts and intervention to educate fisherfolk in sustainable harnessing of fisheries resources.

The fisherfolk which included women, children, fishermen and local traders participated. The event was held in Fish Landing Center at Wandoor featuring cultural activities like presentation of a drama to educate the Fisher Community on the importance of protecting juvenile fish, sustainable fishing practice and co- existence in a harmonious way. Apart from that, a competition for women to prepare best local sea food cuisine was also organized. Various games with the objective to inculcate marine resources conservation among fisher folk were also organized.

Ms. Madhuri Mondal, State Coordinator, Dakshin Foundation coordinated the programme. The Assistant Director Fisheries, South Andaman, Shri. Tapan Biswas urged the fisherfolk to be more responsible, so that depletion of fisheries resources can be avoided. The Pradhan, Shri Adhir Das expressed his gratitude to the Director of Fisheries and requested the Department to organize more such event in future.