Mumbai, 30 April 2025

 

Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, visited the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) Headquarters on April 29, 2025, to review the institute's ongoing activities and assess its contributions to India’s fisheries sector. The visit was marked by a series of detailed discussions with senior officials and technical teams at FSI, focusing on the latest advancements in marine fisheries research, data collection, and sustainable fishing practices.

Director General Dr. Sreenath K. R. briefed the Honourable Minister on FSI’s recent achievements, which include conducting comprehensive scientific surveys in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and collecting crucial data on the health of fish stock. Notable accomplishments also include the identification of new deep-sea shrimp grounds off the Konkan coast, hotspot identification for the mitigation of ghost net gears off the northeast and southwest coasts, and marine mammal stock assessments to meet seafood export requirements. These efforts are vital to ensuring the sustainable management of marine resources and enhancing India’s seafood industry on the global stage.

In his address, Shri Kurian outlined a clear vision for further improvements, particularly in the area of technological innovation. He advised the need of linking the scientists work to the national development goal of “Vikshit Bharat – 2047” and highlighted the importance of collaboration with key institutions such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) and the State Governments. The Minister urged a focus on cutting-edge solutions, including Artificial Intelligence and sensor-based data collection systems for better stock assessment and decision-making.

Shri Kurian stressed the urgent need to modernise the fishing fleet of FSI to increase survey efficiency and coverage in both the Indian EEZ and the High Seas. He emphasised that modernised vessels equipped with advanced technologies are critical to enhance research capabilities and operational efficiency. Additionally, the Minister proposed the development of a digital fleet management system for vessel maintenance, as well as the creation of web Geographical Information System (webGIS)-based maps and advisories to track climate-influenced changes in fish abundance. These innovations will aid in understanding the dynamics of the Indian EEZ, helping to unlock its full potential and contributing to the sustainable growth of the fisheries sector.

The Minister’s visit concluded with a detailed tour of FSI’s state-of-the-art research labs, museum and engineering workshop. He assured continued support for FSI’s initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s efforts towards marine conservation and sustainable production.

 

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PIB Mumbai | EC/ DR

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