As part of celebrating World Environment Day on 5th June 2023, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) conducted an awareness campaign under the theme of "Beat Plastic Pollution in Inland Waters” for fishers at Aroor in Alappuzha District, Kerala. Dr. M. P. Remesan, Principal Scientist and Head (i/c), Fishing Technology Division, ICAR-CIFT, presided over the function and shared insights on global issues of plastics and ongoing efforts to combat pollution. Dr. Sandhya K. M., Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIFT gave introductory remarks on plastic pollution in inland waters and Dr. Manju Lekshmi N. Scientist, ICAR-CIFT made a presentation on “Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems, their impacts and possible mitigation measures” and highlighted ICAR-CIFTs initiatives towards the reduction of plastics pollution especially on fishing related plastics. 

An interactive session was also conducted as part of the event, led by Mr. C.T. Pradeep, Member, Ezhupunna Inland Fishermen Development Co-operative Society and the participants expressed their concerns over the plastic pollution and its impacts on the fish catches and their livelihood. The participants wholeheartedly welcomed the CIFT’s awareness initiatives and suggested that more such awareness programs with the support of Government and other agencies would be beneficial for them. Mr. Chandra Bose and Mr. Mani, the President and Member respectively of the Ezhupunna Inland Fishermen Development Co-operative Society offered welcome address and vote of thanks.

 
A section of the audience at the event of awareness programme on World Environment Day under the campaign "Beat Plastic Pollution in Inland Waters” for fishers at Aroor Ezhupunna Inland Fishermen Development Co-operative Society organised by ICAR-CIFT, Kochi.