Reviving India’s Coastal Forests: The Role of Sacred Groves
Deep in the heart of India, where ancient traditions meet modern conservation efforts, lies a remarkable story of ecological revival. Scattered along the coast, sacred groves – patches of forest protected by religious communities – offer a sanctuary for a nearly extinct ecosystem: the tropical dry evergreen forest. This article
From Land to Sea: Can Permaculture Principles Heal the Blue Frontier
For generations, humans have looked to the ocean as a bounty, its shimmering expanse offering an endless wellspring of seafood. But with overfishing painting a stark picture of dwindling stocks and polluted waters, it’s become increasingly clear that our relationship with the sea needs a profound shift. Enter permaculture, a
Decoding the Enigma: Scientists Unravel the Genetic Secrets of Kerala’s Rare “Brahmanakenda” Fish
Scientists have cracked the code of the mitochondrial genome of Lepidopygopsis typus, a unique and endangered fish species known as the “Brahmanakenda” found only in Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve. This breakthrough promises to unlock secrets about the evolution and survival of this enigmatic creature, while highlighting the urgent need for
Veraval Gets TED-ucated: MPEDA and CIFT Champion Sustainable Shrimp Trawling
Trawling towards Sustainability: MPEDA and CIFT Team Up for TED Implementation in Veraval The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) joined forces in Veraval, Gujarat, on December 20th, 2023, to tackle the critical issue of sea turtle conservation. The focus of the
Seaweed to the Rescue: CMFRI Develops Natural Remedies for Immunity and Cholesterol
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has announced a promising step forward in healthcare, signing a deal to commercialize two seaweed-based nutraceuticals with impressive potential. These natural products tackle common health concerns – one boosting anti-viral immunity and the other combating high cholesterol. Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, director of CMFRI,
Women Hold the Key: Empowering Them for Sustainable Seas and Thriving Fisheries
The delicate balance of marine ecology and the future of small-scale fisheries hinge on one crucial factor: women’s empowerment. This powerful message resonated from a recent virtual regional dialogue, where experts from Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka shed light on the critical role women play in these sectors and
Odisha University Dives Deep: Unlocking the Secrets of the Bay of Bengal for Sustainable Fisheries
Odisha’s Berhampur University, a beacon of academic excellence, is setting sail on a voyage of discovery. On Tuesday, they announced a significant partnership with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), a regional think tank dedicated to marine ecology and sustainable fisheries management. This collaboration promises to unlock the
Blue Carbon: Nature’s Secret Weapon Against Climate Change
Beneath the waves, hidden within the tangled roots of mangroves and the swaying meadows of seagrass, lies a powerful weapon in the fight against climate change: blue carbon. This term refers to the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems, and it holds the potential to be a game-changer in
Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): A Tool for Sea Turtle Conservation and its Implementation in Indian Fisheries
Introduction Turtle Excluder Devices, commonly known as TEDs, are specialized devices that allow a captured sea turtle to escape when caught in a fisherman’s net. These devices are made of metal bars and mesh that fit inside the neck of a trawl net. While shrimp pass between the bars to
Mangaluru Startup’s SalmoRid: A Bite-Sized Step Towards Sustainable Food
Combating Food Spoilage with Phages: Startup Launches SalmoRid, a Revolutionary Food Processing Aid In the constant battle against food spoilage, a Mangaluru-based startup has developed a revolutionary weapon: SalmoRid, a phage-based food processing aid. This innovative product harnesses the power of naturally occurring viruses, called phages, to selectively target and
Pacific Tuna Fisheries Score Sustainable Wins at WCPFC Meeting, But WWF Calls for More Action
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) wrapped up its 20th meeting with a glimmer of hope for the future of Pacific tuna. After marathon negotiations, members agreed on four key measures to improve sustainability: Target reference point for south Pacific albacore: This sets a clear benchmark for managing
Dive into Sustainability: 5 Ways Restaurants Can Champion Ocean-Friendly Seafood
Seafood is a culinary cornerstone, beloved for its taste, versatility, and nutritional value. However, unsustainable fishing practices pose a growing threat to our oceans, jeopardizing marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishing communities. Restaurants, as influential actors in the food chain, have a unique opportunity to champion sustainable seafood and
DRDO halts missile tests to protect Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha
The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has decided to suspend its missile testing activities from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast for two months to safeguard the nesting of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. The DRDO, which conducts various missile tests from the island throughout the