Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary DARE and DG, ICAR; Dr. J. K. Jena, DDG (Fisheries Science), Dr. Ravishankar C.N., Director, ICAR-CIFTon a cruise on-board ICAR-CIFT vessel  FV Sagar Harita

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary DARE and Director General, ICAR accompanied with Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), Dr. Ravishankar C.N., Director, ICAR-CIFTand scientists of Fishing Technology Division of ICAR-CIFT went on a cruise on-board ICAR-CIFT vessel FV Sagar Haritaon 15 January, 2018. DG, ICARenquired about theresearch work carried out with the help of multi-purpose deep sea vessel and different fishing technologiesassessed in the deep sea. Dr. Leela Edwin, HOD, Fishing Technology explained about the gillnet operation which was demonstrated. Dr.Saly N. Thomas, Dr. M.P. Remesan, Mr. M.V. Baiju, Dr. Madhu, V.R., Dr.Manju Lekshmi, Mr. Renjith, K. and Mr. Paras  Nath Jha, Scientists of the Fishing technology division of ICAR-CIFT were also on-board along with the dignitaries. 

 

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra also released the new technology christened “ICAR-CIFT-Low Drag Trawl” during a function organised on-board the vessel during the cruise. Director, ICAR-CIFT briefed about the technology that included an optimized design of trawl coupled with fabrication using new generation material (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyetylene (UHMWPE) twines, which can significantly reduce drag offered by the trawl underwater. Dr. Leela Edwin, head, FT division gave a brief report on the studies conducted on-board fishing vessels which showed a reduction in the fuel consumption by 13% and a total savings in operational expenditure by 7.5%.  This technology intended for the small-scale mechanized trawl sector of India, can help in significant reduction in the fuel consumption of this sector, which is the most energy intensive fishing method now, expending by burning,0.8 kg of fossil fuel for capturing 1 kg of fish. 

 

Being impressed with the rescue operations conducted in the aftermath of the Ockhi Cyclone; Secretary DARE and Director General, ICAR Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra lauded the efforts of officers and crew of the Vessels of ICAR-CIFT and ICAR-CMFRI, who had participated in the rescue operations to bring name and fame for ICAR for the work done for the societal development of the large scale fisher communities in the southern coast during the period of stress.

 

 

Release of new technology christened “ICAR-CIFT-Low Drag Trawl” by DG, ICAR