Workshop on indigenous fish conservation begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Nov 19: Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-Kashmir, Rangil Ganderbal and ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources inaugurated the “National Workshop on Conservation of Indigenous Fishes of Jammu & Kashmir in the Changing Climate Scenario at Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil, Ganderbal.
Two hundred participants including eminent Fisheries scientists, policymakers, students, and stakeholders are part of the event to deliberate on the pressing challenges and opportunities in conserving the region’s rich aquatic biodiversity especially Fishes.
The inaugural session was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Prof (Dr) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir; Prof. Haroon R Naik, Director Research & Planning, SKUAST-Kashmir, Dr. W.S. Lakra, Former Vice Chancellor of ICAR-CIFE; and Prof. Dr. B.B. Jana, Professor Emeritus of Kalyani University, Prof. M. H. Balkhi, Founder Dean FoFy & Former Director Education SKUAST-K, Dr. U. K. Sarkar, Director, ICAR-NBFGR, Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, OSD to Vice Chancellor Dr. Farooz Ahmad Bhat, Dean Faculty of Fisheries among others. Their addresses highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable fisheries development in this ecologically fragile region.
Dr. Tasaduq Hussain Shah Organising Secretary gave the overall view of the National workshop. Dr Farooz Ahmad Bhat, Dean Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-Kashmir, formally welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the importance of Indigenous Fish Conservation along with the initiatives that SKUAST-Kashmir has initiated in line with the objective of climate resilient fisheries.
Dr. Sarkar highlighted that workshop underscored the significance of Jammu & Kashmir’s aquatic ecosystems, spanning cold-water streams, high-altitude lakes, and wetlands, home to over 120 fish species, including iconic ones like the snow trout and golden mahseer. It was noted that the region’s fisheries production has shown commendable growth, from 0.21 lakh tonnes in 2017-18 to 0.27 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, demonstrating its vast potential for further development. Dr Sarkar discussed the critical themes such as the impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, conservation of indigenous fish germplasm, and sustainable fisheries management.
Prof. M. H. Balkhi, Founder Dean Faculty of Fisheries gave an insight into a roadmap ahead for achieving the objective of Climate resilient fisheries. He emphasized the need for quality research using cutting edge technologies to meet the huge demand of fish in the region. He congratulated the organisers for taking a good initiative for organising such workshops. Dr. B. B. Jana, Professor of Emirates gave an overview of using technological interventions for controlling the pollution of lakes like Dal and other water bodies for the sustainable fish production and survival.
Prof. H R Naik, Guest of Honour on the occasion gave an overview of different initiatives that SKUAST-Kashmir has taken in order to improve the quality of research in fisheries science and encouraged the students to use their skills for the betterment of society and the nation.
Prof. (Dr) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor and the Chief Guest appreciated the collaborative efforts taken by ICAR-NBFGR and SKUAST-Kashmir was signed. He highlighted the importance of being proactive in order to develop the culture of Climate-Resilient Fisheries which will help in conservation of Indigenous Fish Species. He also highlighted the importance of working in tandem to achieve the objective that will surely help us in giving back to society in general and nation in particular. He also gave an insight into the role of students in developing the culture of innovation and following a holistic approach towards conservation and sustainability.
On the occasion, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICAR-NBFGR and SKUAST-Kashmir. This partnership bolsters research, academic collaborations, and human resource development in fisheries conservation and production enhancement. The event also celebrated ICAR-NBFGR’s contributions to advancing fisheries research, including the discovery of over 60 new species, the establishment of live gene banks, and the development of propagation and cryopreservation techniques for endangered species.