Specialists Consultation on Energy Saving in Fishing

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin conducted a Specialists' Consultation on Energy Saving in Fishing on 5^th March, 2016 at ICAR-CIFT, Cochin. The consultation was held under the project on ‘Green Fishing Systems for Tropical Seas’ funded by National Agricultural Science Fund (ICAR-NASF), ICAR, New Delhi. Dr. K. Gopakumar, Former Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, New Delhi and Former Director of ICAR-CIFT, Cochin inaugurated the programme which was primarily aimed at discussing the ways to reduce fuel consumption in the fishing sector. Dr. Gopakumar observed that it is the excessive use of energy in fisheries that led to crisis in the fishing industry. The consultation was presided over by Dr. C.N. Ravishankar, Director, ICAR-CIFT. More than 40 invited participants from state and central agencies, fishing industries, NGOs, research and academic institutions attended the consultation. Dr. Leela Edwin, Principal Investigator of the ICAR-NASF funded project, ‘Green Fishing Systems for Tropical Seas’ gave a brief overview of the project. Dr. V.C. George, Director, Department of Aquaculture, SH College, Thevara and Former Head, Fishing Technology Division, ICAR-CIFT offered felicitation. Dr.  Saly N. Thomas, Principal Scientist welcomed the gathering and Dr. M.P. Remesan, Principal Scientist proposed the formal vote of thanks. Presentations were made on Transition to green fishing: Considerations and barriers by Dr. E. Vivekanandan, Former Head, Demersal Fisheries Division, ICAR-CMFRI, Cochin; Fuel saving engines for fishing vessels by Shri H. Balasubramanian, Deputy General Manager, Ashok Leyland, Chennai; Energy efficient new generation fishing gears by Shri Kishore Darda, General Manager - R&D, Garware Wall Ropes Ltd., Pune and Fuel efficient combination fishing vessel by Shri M.V.  Baiju, Senior Scientist, ICAR- CIFT.It was suggested by the experts that by investing in fishery management initiatives, the fishing costs can be reduced substantially and the earnings will increase commensurately.

Dr. Leela Edwin giving a brief of the project. On the dias are: (L to R) Dr. C.N. Rabvishankar, Dr. K. Gopakumar, Dr. V.C. George and Dr. Saly N. Thomas