Port Blair, Mar. 11: Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India laid the Foundation stone for the Marine Fish Rearing Facility at Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI). The inauguration program was presided over by Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor A&N Islands & the Vice Chairman Island Development Agency, Smt. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner-cum- Secretary Fisheries, Dr. G. A. Ramdass, Director, NIOT, Dr. G. Dharani, Group Head, MBT-NIOT and Dr. Dilip Kumar Jha, Officer-in-Charge, ACOSTI, also participated in the inaugural ceremony.
During the foundation laying ceremony, Shri Kiren Rijiju said that the advancement of science and technology has a direct impact on a nation's economic prosperity. NIOT is a world-class institute where scientists are untiringly working to accomplish the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The deep Ocean mission was a huge task before MoES and under that mission, MoES has started various projects that can transform the life of the people. The scientific and technological backdrop in India is progressively improving. The ocean resources are yet to be completely utilized. India has demonstrated its prowess in science and technology with the launches of MANGALYAAN on Mars, CHANDRAYAAN on the Moon, and SAMUDRAYAAN in the ocean owing to the development of the manned submersible "MATSYA 6000." In this context, he assured that the government of India would provide all necessary support for the growth of science and technology in the islands in support of the blue revolution in the country.
Shri Kiren Rijiju further stated that the blue economy encompasses the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihood and jobs, and the health of the ocean ecosystem. He informed that in the recent past, India has grown exponentially in science and technology, with research and development efforts addressing many of the current issues affecting society. The Government's intention and determination to support science and technology activities for nation development have been reaffirmed by the increase in budget allocations to the ministries like Earth Sciences and Science and Technology. He also stated due to technological advancement today we can track cyclones and other natural hazards precisely and make a huge impact in terms of providing safety and security to the common people. He cited the recently launched satellite INSAT-3DS by ISRO. The fishermen of India are happy to use modern technology for economic benefit by tracking precise location and time. He expressed his desire to revisit the beautiful pristine Andaman Islands and is awaiting to witness the progress of the marine fish rearing facility for which the foundation stone is laid today. He thanked the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.). & the Vice Chairman, Island Development Agency for supporting for development and having a complete blueprint plan for the development and transformation of the life of people of the Island in his mind. He thanked the Director NIOT for reaffirming the name, the institute Atal Centre of Ocean Science and Technology, by contributing towards the development and improvement of the socioeconomic status of the islanders. He insisted Fisheries, related departments, and stakeholders come forward to support this initiative taken by this institute to serve large section of society. He reiterated that India is doing many programs on so many frontiers under the visionary leadership of Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
Dr. G. A. Ramadass, Director, NIOT stated that India has nearly 7500 km of coastline and large sea area. We need to develop reliable technology, for the sustainable utilization of ocean resources. The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is among the premier institutes in the country to develop reliable indigenous technology for harnessing marine living resources through advanced engineering and biotechnological tools. In the Deep Ocean Mission, whish announced in September 2021, 4 out of 6 verticals are spearheaded by NIOT. He stated that India will be the 6th Nation to develop an underwater manned submersible, MATSYA6000, which can carry 3 people to a depth of 6000 meters for exploring deep-sea resources. He thanked the Shri Kiren Rijiju, Honourable Minister of Earth Sciences, Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, Admiral D.K. Joshi for gracing the occasion and laying the foundation stone for Marine Fish Rearing Facility at ACOSTI, NIOT.
The Marine Fish Rearing Centre will play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges related to breeding and hatching economically important Marine Fish. It will serve as a breeding ground for research and innovation in the field of aquaculture, supporting our efforts to increase marine fish populations while maintaining the delicate balance of our marine ecosystem. This facility will also serve as a hub for research, conservation, and education, toward the sustainable growth of marine fish populations in A & N Islands.
Marine fish has grown in popularity due to its potent nutritional profile and high demand in the seafood market in both the domestic and international fish markets. Overfishing and additional environmental deterioration can be avoided by cultivating fish in open sea cages is impediment. The supply of seeds from the mainland. Also, we are compelled to keep early juveniles in cages due to the lack of suitable rearing facilities in the nation. The broodstock to be developed at the rearing facility prevents this issue.