IN FOCUS: ICAR-CMFRI

The ocean is a source of life, culture, and livelihood for millions of coastal families. Every stretch of India’s vast coastline has untold stories of resilience, success, and hope woven into the lives and traditions of communities who have relied on the ocean generations.

“The ocean remembers everything it is given”.

This adage beautifully captures the significance of protecting our oceans. It reminds us that, while the sea sustains the human life and livelihoods, it also bears the imprints of our actions, and demands environmental responsibility in return. Needless to say, this saying assumes greater significance in an era of climate crisis, warming seas, and the consequent degradation of marine habitats and ecosystems. At this critical juncture, how can we protect this blue bounty, ensuring that the seas continue to sustain the rhythm of life along our coasts for generations to come?

This is where the scientific pursuit of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) at­tains a deeper social meaning: to sustain millions of fisher families and the ocean they call their home. On the occasion of its 80 years of scientific excellence, this globally-renowned institution has quietly emerged as the scientific back­bone of India’s blue economy. Fisheries is an indivisible part of India’s economy and the society as well. And hence, the role of ICAR-CMFRI as the guardian of India’s marine sustainability becomes indispensable.

THE BEGINNINGS

The ICAR-CMFRI, headquartered in Kochi, was established as a Marine Fisheries Research Station on 3 February 1947, in the campus of the University of Madras. It was subsequently shifted to Mandapam Camp, in 1949 and later to Kochi in 1971. The Institute became part of the Indian Council of Agricul­tural Research (ICAR) family in 1967, marking an important milestone in its evolution as a premier national research establishment dedicated to undertake marine fisheries research in the country. Over the past eight decades, the insti­tute has grown significantly in size and stature emerging as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world. It has displayed an unparalleled research acumen and unbridled com­mitment which helped in boosting the marine fish production and manage­ment of the marine fisheries sector for the livelihood of nearly 40 lakhs marine fisherfolk across the country.

All Images Courtesy: ICAR-CMFRI

At present, under the leadership of Dr Grinson George, the ICAR-CMFRI pursues a broad and multidisciplinary research agenda covering the diverse dimensions of marine fisheries and al­lied sectors. Aimed at achieving its man­dates, the institute conducts research on characteristics, dynamics and sustain­ability of exploited marine fish stocks; undertakes exploratory surveys, assesses the under-exploited and unexploited re­sources; and advances research on cli­mate change adaptation and mitigation; fishery environmental characteristics and ocean-dynamics. The institute also focuses on the socio-economic dimen­sions of marine fisheries, including as­sessment of the socio-economic status of fishing communities and valuation of marine fish landings; while evaluating compliance with fisheries governance and management measures.

COMMANDING A VAST RESOURCE

From understanding the dynamics of fish stocks and improving sustainable catches to strengthening fisheries management; conservation of marine resources and supporting coastal livelihoods, the sci­entific imprint of ICAR-CMFRI is quite evident across every dimension of India’s engagement with the sea. Every single fish landed ashore each day becomes part of ICAR-CMFRI’s massive nation-wide scientific mission. Through its state-of-the-art National Marine Fisheries Data Centre (NMFDC), established in 1982, ICAR-CMFRI maintains one of the country’s most comprehensive ma­rine fisheries databases, tracking over 1,200 marine fish species. This wealth of knowledge is an important scientific resource for understanding the dynamics of marine fisheries in India, and direct­ing sustainable fisheries management.

ICAR-CMFRI employs a Stratified Multistage Random Sampling Design, a globally recognised, statistically vali­dated and FAO-recommended sampling framework, perfected indigenously over seven decades, providing robust, high-quality time-series data on marine fish landings and fishing effort across 1300 landing centers spanning over 11,000 km long coastline of the country. Complementing this extensive fisheries monitoring, ICAR-CMFRI conducts a nation-wide marine fisheries census ev­ery five years, collecting valuable data on the human side of the sector by docu­menting the fisherfolk, their livelihoods, fishing households and the infrastructure that supports the marine fisheries of the country.

In a recent assessment, ICAR-CMFRI assessed 135 distinct marine fish stocks, revealing that an impressive 91.1 % of the assessed stocks remain healthy and sustainable in Indian wa­ters. Apart from monitoring fish stocks and marine fish landings, its valuation and advancing taxonomic studies, the research activities of ICAR-CMFRI are diversified to a variety of niche areas such as sea farming and coastal maricul­ture; development of hatchery technolo­gies for commercially viable marine fish species; cage farming; biotechnological applications of marine resources; bio­diversity assessment and conservation; development of sustainable ecosystem based management interventions; policy and socio-economic research; as well as several other areas that contribute to the sustainable development of India’s marine fisheries and blue economy.

THE FUTURE IN MARICULTURE

As the capture fisheries production of the country faces stagnation, the future of sustainable seafood lies in mariculture— farming in the sea. Realising the limited potential of the oceanic resources to meet the growing demand of fish-eating popu­lation of the country, ICAR-CMFRI has allocated significant part of its research resources to develop seed production and farming technologies for commer­cially important species. From open sea cage farming and seaweed cultivation to Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquacul­ture (IMTA), ICAR-CMFRI has pio­neered diversified mariculture practices designed to enhance food production, generate livelihoods and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities. To support this endeavour, the institute has mastered captive breeding and hatch­ery technologies for 13 food fish species and 37 vibrant ornamental species, lay­ing the foundation for the expansion of mariculture across the country. Today, the impact of ICAR-CMFRI’s maricul­ture technologies is visible across India’s coastal waters, where vast circular cages float on the sea, turning scientific in­novation into new avenues for seafood production and coastal livelihoods. The impact is also visible in seaweed culti­vation, bivalve farming and the IMTA, where research-based technologies have moved from laboratories and demon­stration units into commercial practice. ICAR-CMFRI’s mariculture research has resulted in breeding, hatchery, and farming technologies that are now being adopted across the country, from cage farming of fin fish to seaweed cultiva­tion and the farming of mussels, oys­ters, and clams. By introducing scien­tific techniques for farming oysters and mussels, the institute has fostered an industry yielding over 10,000 tons an­nually. Equally important is the social transformation accompanying this tech­nological advancement. These technolo­gies have been extended to nearly 6,000 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) along the coasts, creating new avenues for in­come and financial independence while contributing to the economic empower­ment of coastal households.

ICAR-CMFRI’s technologies have emerged a game-changer in women em­powerment across the coastal region of the country. Community-based enter­prises in cage fish farming, seaweed cultivation, marine ornamental fish farming and value addition have helped create sustainable livelihood for coastal fami­lies, leading to boosting women’s eco­nomic empowerment, self-confidence, self-esteem, and involvement in house­hold decision-making.

By strengthening sustainable man­agement of marine resources and in­troducing cutting-edge aquaculture technologies, ICAR-CMFRI’s research generates a staggering Rs 3,311.2 crores in annual economic returns. Of this, management of wild capture fisheries alone accounts for Rs 3,028 crores, while mariculture initiatives contribute Rs 219.9 crores, with marine cage cul­ture alone generating an estimated Rs 207.3 crores annually. These contribu­tions translate to a phenomenal Return on Research Investment (ROI) of 40.0 and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 24.2%. Every single rupee invested in marine fisheries research, generates an estimated forty-fold return to the na­tional economy, showing that investment in ocean science and conservation is both an environmental imperative and a pow­erful economic proposition.

Bioprospecting of marine and oce­anic resources is another trust area of ICAR-CMFRI’s research agenda, aimed at unlocking the vast potential of the sea for human health and well-being. The institute has developed and commer­cialised 13 marine nutraceuticals, har­nessing health-boosting molecules from seaweeds and other marine organisms to combat lifestyle diseases.

GENETIC TOOLS TO STRENGTHEN FISHERIES

ICAR-CMFRI scientists are also utilis­ing the power of advanced genomics and biotechnology to unravel some of the ocean’s most complex biological mys­teries. They have unearthed the genetic secrets of Indian oil sardine, Asian green mussel, and Indian squid. Genetic and genomic tools are utilised to strengthen fisheries resource management, develop innovative biotechnological solutions for mariculture, develop diagnostics and vaccines for disease management in aquaculture, and formulate sustain­able aquafeeds and high-value marine bioproducts. ICAR-CMFRI is estab­lishing new frontiers in marine science by integrating genomics with fisheries and aquaculture research and translat­ing ocean biodiversity into sustainable solutions for the future.

In a major development aimed at restoring and rejuvenating marine life, ICAR-CMFRI is spearheading efforts to deploy large scale artificial reefs on the seabed along the coastal waters of the country. Designed to restore de­graded habitats, increase biodiversity, and create new feeding and shelter grounds for fish, these reef systems are emerging as promising nature-based interventions for rebuilding marine en­vironments and strengthening coastal fisheries. Beyond ecological restora­tion, the initiative has great potential to boost fish yields and support liveli­hoods of coastal communities.

Climate change is now recognised as one of the greatest long-term chal­lenges to marine ecosystems and fisher­ies. ICAR-CMFRI has embarked on cli­mate change adaptation and mitigation research to strengthen the resilience of India’s marine fisheries sector and mini­mise the impacts of a changing climate. This research focuses to address critical knowledge gaps about climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and fish­eries; identify ecological and biological thresholds, strengthen monitoring, and evaluate appropriate adaptation and mit­igation strategies; and translate scientific evidence into actionable management responses, enabling fisheries and coastal communities to anticipate, adapt to, and better withstand climate-related risks. As part of this, the institute implements the National Innovations on Climate Re­silient Agriculture (NICRA) network project of ICAR, with a dedicated focus on climate change impacts and resilience in marine and coastal ecosystems. Un­der NICRA, the institute has conducted district-wise climate risk assessments, species-specific vulnerability assess­ments and research on climate adapta­tion strategies, including the establish­ment of climate smart coastal villages. These initiatives are aimed at building adaptive capacity at the ecosystem and community levels, to ensure that India’s marine fisheries are productive, resilient and sustainable, in the face of a rapidly changing climate.

ICAR-CMFRI actively contributes to policies and management measures to sustain marine fisheries wealth of the nation. The Minimum Legal Size (MLS) regulations recommended by ICAR-CMFRI have made a significant contribution to sustainable marine re­source management by curbing juvenile fishing, allowing stocks to reproduce and replenish. This regulatory intervention, complemented by recommendations on seasonal fishing bans and development of State Fisheries Management Plans, provides a science-based framework for responsible fisheries management that ensures the resilience, productivity and long-term health of India’s marine eco­systems.

Recognising its outstanding contri­butions towards nation building, the ICAR honoured ICAR-CMFRI with the coveted Sardar Patel Outstanding Insti­tution Award twice—in 2007 and 2019.

Recent few hallmarks of the institute include the establishment of National Brood Banks for Cobia and Silver Pom­pano, establishment of Dr E G Silas Cen­tre of Excellence in Fish Nutrigenomics and Marine Microbiome and the Man­dapam Regional Centre being designated as a Centre of Excellence for Seaweed Cultivation by the Department of Fisher­ies, Government of India. The institute also played an important part in the for­mulation of National Marine Fisheries Policy and National Mariculture Policy, thus strengthening the scientific bases for sustainable fisheries and mariculture development in the country.

The geographical spread of ICAR-CMFRI is as vast as its scientific scope, stretching across 4 major Regional Centres at Mandapam, Visakhapat­nam, Vizhinjam and Mangalore; with 7 Regional Stations located in Veraval, Mumbai, Karwar, Kozhikode, Tutico­rin, Chennai and Digha; 14 field centres and 2 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Narakkal, Ernakulum and in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, which help the institute to have a strong presence all along the long Indian coastline and island terri­tories. Besides research, ICAR-CMFRI serves as a vital knowledge bridge be­tween science and society, reaching out to thousands of fishers, entrepreneurs, students and other stakeholders through its academic and training programs and the single-window Agricultural Technol­ogy Information Centre (ATIC). ICAR-CMFRI is one of the world’s largest or­ganisations dedicated to tropical marine fisheries research, with 128 scientists and over 510 staff, operated through 6 major divisions, an impressive scientific net­work devoted to understanding, manag­ing and sustainably harnessing India’s marine resources.

ICAR-CMFRI remains a major na­tional and international center of marine scientific knowledge, by hosting several international symposia under the aus­pices of the Marine Biological Associa­tion of India (MBAI) (founded in 1958) or by contributing to the advancement of marine scholarship through publishing the peer-reviewed Indian Journal of Fish­eries that carries an international impact factor. The Institute’s record of scientific excellence, innovation and societal im­pact, with two Sardar Patel Outstanding Institute Awards of ICAR and 29 Indian Patents to its credit, is testimony to its steadfast commitment to a sustainable future for India’s marine fisheries and blue economy.

As ICAR-CMFRI navigates its eighth decade, its vision remains clear: to promote a harmonious balance between the communities that depend on the sea and the fragile marine ecosystems that sustain all of us. The institute is com­mitted to ensuring that India’s marine re­sources continue to support livelihoods, nourish communities and sustain the ocean for generations to come, through science, innovation and stewardship.

*Dr George is Director, ICAR-CMFRI, while KVA Khadar is a Media Liaison Professional.