Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 31: The Department of Fisheries conducted an awareness programme on ‘Field Identification of Scheduled/Protected Fishes’ on Aug. 29 at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill wherein Dr. Bineesh K K, Scientist-E, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata delivered detailed session on field identification of scheduled and protected species available in A&N waters.
A key highlight of the session was the technical presentation in the taxonomy of sharks and rays in India. Practical identification techniques were also demonstrated to strengthen on-ground identification skills. In addition to this, an online session was also taken up by Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Senior Zoologist, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata on the Marine Molluscs under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. During conclusion session, Dr. Bineesh K K requested the participant to actively survey in the field for avoiding catch of any scheduled fishes and thereby protecting the marine biodiversity and promotion of sustainable fishing activity in the Islands.
Additionally, officials from the Department of Environment & Forests, the Nodal Department for the implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in the marine fisheries sector of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also participated in the training. An interaction session was also held.