ICAR-CIFT, Cochin Organized Workshop on Trap Fishing

Dr. Leela Edwin addressing the gathering (On the dais are: Dr. K.K. Prajith, Rev. Fr. Churchil  and Dr. M.P. Remesan

The Fishing Technology Division of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin in association with South Asian Fisheries Fraternity (SAFF), has conducted a stakeholder workshop for the fishermen operating traps at Muttom, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu on 15^th January, 2017. In the workshop Dr. Leela Edwin, Head, Fishing Technology, ICAR-CIFT briefed on the research activities and the role played by the Institute in the overall development of the fishing Industry. She stressed on the importance of trap fisheries in the context of fish stock depletion and responsible fisheries and requested the cooperation and support from fishers of Kadiapattanam for the implementation of a new project going to be initiated by ICAR-CIFT on pots and traps. Dr. M.P. Remesan, Principal Scientist discussed the advantages of trap fisheries over other fishing techniques. He stressed that trap and pot fishing is one of the fishing methods which creates less impact to environment needs less investment and at the same time ensuring quality catch. He told that ICAR-CIFT ensures to introduce the latest design and material for pots and traps which are suitable for the Southern coast. Dr. K.K. Prajith, Scientist and Principal Investigator of the upcoming project on trap and pots, briefed on the background, major objectives and research activities under the proposed project. He informed the gathering about the need of baseline survey, underwater studies, and proper post harvest handling of the catch.  Nearly 80 trap fishermen attended the meeting. They requested ICAR-CIFT’s help for modernizing the trap fishing to improve their income. The formal session was followed by interaction between fishermen and scientists in which fishermen brought out their problems, difficulties and issues in the Trap fishery which need further scientific investigations. Rev. Fr. Churchil, Co-ordinator of SAFF, welcomed scientists of ICAR-CIFT and introduced them to the fishermen. In his welcome speech, he mentioned his association with ICAR-CIFT and explained the background of the programme. 

Workshop in progress