TCD programme on Conversion of Diamond Mesh Codend to Square Mesh Codend

 A one day awareness and training cum demonstration programme was conducted at Porbandar Harbour, Gujarat on “Conversion of diamond mesh codend to square mesh codend”  on 29 June, 2016. The programme was organized in collaboration with NETFISH-MPEDA, Department of Fisheries, Gujarat and ICAR-CIFT. In the inaugural session, Shri Jignesh Gohel, NETFISH, MEPDA delivered welcome address and highlighted the schedule of the programme on fabrication of square mesh.  Shri R.B. Vajapai, Asst. Director of Fisheries talked on economic prospect of square mesh and diamond mesh codend.  Shri A. Sakthiwel, Asst. Director, MPEDA, stressed on the importance of current situation and role of MPEDA to convert diamond mesh codend to square mesh codend. Shri Ashok Jungi and Shri Hiraral Hodar, representatives of Seafood Supplier Group and Net Maker Group talked on the importance of replacing diamond  mesh by square mesh for the benefit of fishermen of Gujarat.

In the theory session Shri G. Kamei, Scientist, ICAR-CIFT explained the advantages and disadvantages of 40 mm square mesh and 20 mm diamond mesh codend presently being operated along Gujarat coast. He also stressed on  juvenile fish catch, bycatch and discard in the country and the world. During the practical session, Shri H.V. Pungeera, Sr. Technical Asst. and Shri J.B. Paradva, ACTO demonstrated the designing and fabrication of square mesh codend for commercial trawl nets. Later, the trainees fabricated square mesh codend by themselves.  Vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Jignesh Gohel, NETFISH-MPEDA.