The Status of Fisheries Science in India - Indudmg results of certain field developments, the results of application of innovations resulting from fisheries science work

V. SRIRAMACHANDRA MURTY^

Focal Points at a Glance:The author, in this contribution, narrates how core fisheries science has lost its sheen and why, as implemented, it could be detrimental. He further brings out points in favour of streamlining of fisheries research in India through non­ overlap of research goals. An informative ivrite-up.

"The student of fishery science according to the Dictionary also means fisheryregulations by which the fishery should have knowledge of what fish "any exclusively aquatic animal", not management authority controls the populations are- hoio they loax and merely a finfish) are influenced by fishing, present and future behaviour of wane in abundance - how one goes the variations in the characteristics of the interested parties in the fisheries, in order about determining their size and their aquatic environment (algal blooms, to ensure the continued productivity of reaction to exploitation - before he rainfall in the sea and on land, river the living resources". And, delves into the particular. This discharge, hydrographic conditions, approach is by analysis rather than productivity, production, floods, airrents, "Fishing" means "Any activity, other synthesis, in keeping loith the best upwelling and others) and tlie others like than scientific research conducted by a traditions of fishery science which has pollution/oil spill, oil prospecting, scientific research vessel, that involves the developed largely in the field, not in constructions, and others. catching, taking, or harvesting of fish; or the laboratory. A fish population - like any attempt to doso; or any activity that can a swarm of bees - is as much a According to FAO (1999), 'Fishery' reasonably be expected to result in the biological entity as the individuals means "1) Tlie sum (or range) of all fishing catching, taking, or harvesting of fish and that compose it. In beginning with activities on a given resource (e.g. a hake any operations at sea in support of it" populations one comes to realize the fishery or shrimp fishery). It may also refer (p.107) need for, and use of, much of the more to the activities of a single type or style of detailed material that follows. The fishing (e.g. beach seine fishery or trawl To understand the dynamics of age of fish for example is of great value fishery). The fishery can be artisanal, or/and exploited populations, 1-cnowledge of their in making accurate estimates of industrial, commercial, subsistence, and taxonomy and biology, the aquatic population size". (Rounsefell and recreational, and can be annual or seasonal." environment and the ecosystems is very Everhart, 1953:2) important. Besides, knowledge on fishing "2) Activity of catching fish, from one gear technology, the fishing effort, the 8. INTRODUCTION or more stocks of fish, that can be treated species wise and gear wise landing as a unit for purposes of conservation and statistics is also essential for studying management and that is identified on the According to the Chambers Twentieth population dynamics. Broadly, making an basis of geographic, scientific, technical, Century Dictionary (Geddie, 1968), the integrated study of all these component recreational, social or economic terra "Fishery" means the "business of subjects and then assessing the stock characteristics, and/or method of catch." catching fish". This business of catching sizes of each species to offer advice and fish ranges from a mere subsistence "Fishery management" according to a range of options to the government for activity to that of a gigantic industrial FAO means "The integrated process of taking informed decisions on activity with significant impact on social, information gathering, analysis, planning, development and management, economic, livelihood, environment, food decision-making, allocation of resources constitutes what is known as Fishery and other cognate areas. Fish stocks (Fish, and formulation and enforcement of Science. The Government of India,

‘This article is based on the author’s experience of working in the CMFRl, the published work, the websites of some ministries, departments in the central and state governments, and some data supplied by the Director, CMFRl, Kochi. The author is thankfid to Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, Director CMFRl, Kochi for promptly supplying the data. The author is grateful to Dr P. Vedavysa Rao rmer ly Director of CMFRl Kochi, for review of the MS and for the comments.

Though the objective is to deal with the status of Fishery Science in general terms, the article deals predominantly with marine fisheries examples, because of the experience of the author in marine fisheries research for nearly four decades; it is believed to make little difference any way.

^ Formerly, Head, Demersal Fisheries Division, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi. The view’s expressed by the author in this article are solely his personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organisations he seiyed or the Journal publishing this article. Postal Address: E-102, Shriram Sahana, Dodballapur Main Road, Stmjavmnsi Layout, Yelahanka, Bengahiru 560064) E-Mail: [email protected] ------Ministry of Statistics and Programme fishery administrations (and also Science were not awarded, organised Implementation (Anon. 2011), adopted in the fishing industry) appreciate fisheries research was initiated only in 1947, the above definitions. how useful, indeed vital, is the real fisheries experts were not available in advice that can come from stock the country and, more than anything else Globally, fisheries have grown assessment studies, to the fisheries itself was not developed being just substantially over the past half century, decisions they have to take, then at a subsistence level and there was contributing significantly to fish food they will see that stock assessment littleappreciationforresearch support to security, national economy, livelihood studies are done. Theji^ will also see fisheries development. Nevertheless the security, employment generation and that they are done in an effective statement of Dr S. Jones(Jones, 1958, p. 1): several others. Fishery science also has and relevant way." (p. 1) "The need to take up research grown in the form of development of Looking at the way the Fishery Science as a responsibility of the Centre models, methodologies, simple methods has been treated and is being treated so that the fishing industry could to assess the stocks and computer now in India it is feared that this science be fostered and developed along software packages to process the data would never get its status amply modern lines was realised as and fit complicated equations. In spite of recognised in the country! This is the recently as during Second World such a growth during this period. Fishery situation, one feels forlorn to note, in spite War when the whole country Science is still largely not appreciated in of completing 67 years of organised suffered very acute shortage of India. This concern was earlier expressed fisheries R & D in the country. The most food" in a subtle mamier by the CMFRI in the throbbing thing is that even some of Vision 2020 (CMFRI, 1997) document by those responsible for fisheries policy Clearly reveals that fisheries research stating "There is also a lack of seem to be offering little or no recognition was initiated in this country to help increase appreciation of the value of research in to Fishery Science. The fact that a yield from the wild stocks. In the begiiming capture fisheries as the most important fisheries research institute established in the main thrust of research was biology tool in fisheries management, sustained the - year 1947, has an "Agricultural (growth, reproduction, food and feeding production and conservation (p. 30) and Economics Section" even in 2014, instead habits and length composition of catch). "There is a genuine feeling that Fisheries of a 'Fisheries Economics Section' speaks Subsequently, the research was directed Science, in contrast to Agriculture and about the recognition that the Fishery towards understanding population Animal Sciences, in the ARS system of Science enjoy s. Having completed nearly dynamics and managing exploited ICAR is stagnating..." (p. 32). A similar half a century of association with Indian resources.India today has experts in Fishery concern was expressed by the present Fisheries including nearly four decades Science capable of effectively addressing author by stating that "adequate of working in marine fisheries research, any R & D issue in tropical fisheries with attention was not paid to this area of and having seen, heard/listened to and authority and success, but sadly the subject research [capture fisheries] and also to spoken to several people - politicians, has still not received recognition as an those who were pursuing it. I would even bureaucrats, fisheries scientists, fisheries important science in the country. say that this area of science was looked administrators, fisheries managers, down upon." Moreover, "Though I fisheries research administrators, fish 111. MULT1MINISTER8AL JUR8SDICTI0M continued in capture fisheries and have business persons, international been putting arguments in its favour in In India, Fisheries (development, organisations, fisher folk and a host of different high level meetings, I have been conservation, trade and research) as a whole others connected to fisheries and Fishery nursing the pain for the total lack of is dealt by seven central ministries with Science and also teachers of Fishery appreciation and recognition for it" their institutions. While the nodal ministry Science in imiversities, the author feels it (Murty, 2007, p. 66). Gulland (1983), an for fisheries at the center is the Ministry of his erudite responsibility to record some expert in fish population dynamics, Agriculture (with the Department of of his comprehensions along with his stated: Animal Husbandry, Dairying and concerns on what he feels are important Fisheries), all the other ministries involved, to Fishery Science, Fisheries Scientists also carry out quite some fisheries related "In fisheries it is the fashion and Fisheries Research Institutes in this work. The various ministries and now among administrators and country, though for historical reasons, he organisations are listed hereunder only to scientists to talk a lot about stock does not expect any change immediately. show the colossal volume of fisheries work assessment, and how important it carried out in the country by different is. This importance is often better SLTHEBEGimNG departments though it is well-l Fishery Survey of India (FSI) II. STATE GOVERNMENTS University of the ICAR National Institute of Fishers Post Ministries of Fisheries in each state Central Agricultural University, Harvest Technology and Training, Iroisemba, Imphal, Manipur Cochm (NIFPHATT) B. Research/Education/Training Central/State Agricultural -> Coastal Aquaculture Authority Universities (CAA) 1. ICAR (DEPARTMENT OF National Fisheries Development AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND IV. 8MPACT OF ftflULTIR/lSNlSTERSAL Board (NFDB),and a number of other EDUCATION - MINISTRY OF JURSSD8CT80N—SOME EXAftflPLES activities. AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDL\) The multitude of institutions/ 2. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, organisations/departments under FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE The second major decision in giving different ministries as mentioned above, (MOEFCC): nonspecialised treatment to fisheries with their different objectives, the fishery science was taken when the then existing Science is addressed by different Zoological Survey of India-Surveys, Fisheries Research Institutes in the Taxonomy ministries departments rather central Government (under the then independently. There is a great possibility The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 ministry of Food and Agriculture) were for the objectives/mandate or part of it to of 1972) transferred to the Indian Council of be overlapping in different ministries/ The Environment (Protection), Act, Agricultural Research. The Department departments resulting in duplication of 1986 (29 of 1986) of Agricultural Research and Education effort. While effort duplication is not quite (DARE) coordinates and promotes Biosphere reserve programme, undesirable always, such a dispensation agricultural research & education in the biodiversity conservation will force the concerned ministry/ country. DARE provides the necessary department to take decisions on the basis Wildlife Institute of India government linkages for the Indian of their mandate/objective/priorities 3. MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), independently and such decisions can be the premier research organization for in conflict with the work in the same -> Centre for Marine Living Resources coordinating, guiding and managing subject of another ministry/department & Ecology (CMLRE) research and education in agriculture or duplicate the work or the decisions so Integrated Coastal and Marine Area including horticulture, fisheries and arumal taken may not be implementable for Management Project Directorate sciences in the entire country. Under the various reasons, political, administrative (ICMAAM) ICAR, there are five research institutes, one and so on. It is also possible that a deemed university, one bureau and one multiministerial dispensation can lead to National Institute of Ocean directorate besides three network/outreach avoidable and unnecessary expenditure. Technology (NIOT) programmes as shown belowin the Fishery Some examples are described below. Science: -> Indian National Centre for Ocean 1. Conflicting Decision: The Department Information Services(INCOIS) Central Institute of Fisheries of Animal Husbandry Dairying and 4. Ministry of Commerce and Industry Education (CIFE), Mumbai Fisheries, under the Muiistry of Agriculture, Central Inland Fisheries Research Government of India is the nodal The Marine Products Export Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore department for fisheries development and Development Authority (MPEDA/ management in the Indian Exclusive Zone, Central Institute Brackish water RGCA) beyond the area of territorial waters. The Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai Ministry of Environment Forests and 5. MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING Central Institute o| Fisheries Climate Change has the mandate on INDUSTRIES: Technology, (CIFT), Kochi ecosystems in coastal areas and on wild life Central Institute of Freshwater protection. In July 2001, this ministry placed National fish processing Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar all elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) development council Central Marine Fisheries Research under schedule I of the wildlife (protection) -> Technology upgradation/ Institute (CMFRI), Kochi act 1972 and banned fishing of elasmobranchs and a few other related modernisation of fish processing National Bureau of Fish Genetic units activities, which has led to wide-spread Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow resentment in the industry and government 6. MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries organizations like the MPEDA because the TECHNOLOGY Research, Bhimtal, Nainital export industry procured material covild not Besides, there are a few institutes of be exported(e.g. shark fins).The ban was -> The Department of Biotechnology, the ICAR like the Central Agricultural also impracticable as fishing could not -> Council of scientific and industrial Research Institute (CARI) and ICAR exclude the elasmobranchs (selective research ResearchComplexes in different places to fishing in the context of fishing with National Institute of offer research and development support to trawlers for example). The nodal ministry Oceanography (NIO) local/area-specific fisheries problems. dealing with fisheries apparently had no role in this. This forced the environment - Central Salt and Marine Chemicals 2. CENTRAL AND STATE ministry to reconsider the decision. Research Institute(CSMCRI) AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES Consequently, a meeting of all the 7. MINISTRY OF DEFENSE stakeholders was called by the Ministry “> Central Institute of Fisheries of Envirormient and Forests in which this -> Coast Guard-MCS Education, Mumbai-Deemed author also participated as the^^ representative of the CMFRI and made several. When the entire fishery and has been collecting the statistics and a comprehensive presentation showing depends wholly on one stock of fish making estimates of marine fish landings that 1) the basis for the ban on it will be affected by the quantities from all along the country's coast on a elasmobranch fishing was not strong etc. caught in any one locality. If on the gearwise, district/statewise, species/ 2) adequate scientific data were not contrary the stocks of fish are local groupwise basis almost right from its available to take informed decisions 3) in their distribution, each must be inception. This is primarily done as a as long as the neighboring countries treated as a separate unit, and it support system to implement the (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Srilanka) continue becomes possible to reduce the research projects of the institute under to exploit these resources, the ban by numbers of fish in one locality capture fisheries — to study the India alone would not help conserve the greatly without affecting them population dynamics of exploited species, resources and bringing out a great need elsewhere".(p. 52). suggest the maximum sustainable yield for a comprehensive research on and the fishing effort required for the elasmobranch fisheries of India. What the The situation can become even more same, to estimate potential yield in the ministry did later is not important in the challenging and 'dangerous' as the country's EEZ and so on. The context, but, such conflicts/disturbances species exploited in two neighbouring methodology adopted by the institute is would not occur if there were maritime states belong to the same stock recognised as the best under the existing consultations in the beginning between as assumed/accepted as of now (or at conditions and the estimates made are all the stakeholders or if all the fisheries least there is no evidence to show that acknowledged as the most reliable. These activities are controlled by one ministry. the populations in the two regions data are used by the central and State This is believed to be due to fisheries represent two different stocks)but the governments as the official marine being the multiministerial responsibility managements can go in opposite fisheries statistics for taking policy without proper mechanism for directions because of political/economic decisions right from the time of coordination or even when such a or jurisdictional or other considerations/ independence and the international mechanism is available on paper that compulsions. It must be remembered organisations like the FAO were using may not be working as envisaged. that the impact of any change (over- or these statistics for various purposes underexploitation or indiscriminate and regularly and continuously. Tlie CMFRI 2. Jurisdiction of Governments: Inexcessive exploitation of spawners as has been furnishing this data to the State India, at the level of States, the State happened in the case of catfish, governments, different departments of agricultural universities with colleges of indiscriminate juvenile exploitation as the central government and other user fisheries, some general universities and happens in certain fishes along the SW agencies for purpose of taking informed State fisheries departments carry out R & coast; see DAHD, 2005) in one region is decisions on development and for D in fisheries of local importance/ automatically felt in the other region in carrying out research etc. relevance.Fisheries is in the concurrent list case the population under consideration and hence fisheries development and belongs to one unit stock. Under the This arrangement was going on management are with the State Indian conditions, if the political party uninterrupted/unquestioned for a very governments. In the case of marine ruling a maritime state and the one ruling long time (over forty years) till perhaps, fisheries, the region from the shore to 12 at the center are different or if the around 1990, when the maritime state nautical miles (territorial waters) is in the neighboring states are ruled by goverrunents ostensibly, wanted to talexclusive economic zone is within the fisheries in coastal waters, multiday/ programme without any hassles and with purview of the central government(See distant water fishing, capture and culture certain political/developmental mileage Silas, 2003). There is thus a sort of diarchy. fisheries in coastal waters, sharing, of accruing to them.However, in addition to The country is living with this arrangement- resources by different sectors, seasonal being a highly specialised one, this scientific a tough one indeed- ever since, in spite of ban on fishing and so on which all involve work is resource intensive involving heavy the problems but no attempt seems to have different ministries/governments. expenditure;indeed, an amount of Rs 65 been made to correct this for better and Moreover demarcation of international crores was provided for meeting the more efficient mechanism of development maritime boundaries involve defense, expenditure on Strengthening of Database and management. A large number of external affairs, home and agriculture & Geographical Information System of the resources are exploited both in the territorial ministries.lt is due to this that Silas Fisheries Sector during the 12*'" plan period waters and also beyond the tenitorial waters (2003)felt that "there is an imperative by the central government; (see DAHDF, in the EEZ and it is unrealistic even to think need for promulgating a new Fisheries 2014). In any case, the CMFRI was asked of different management regimes for the Act" (p 503). to stop this work with immediate effect resources on the ground that tliey are under probably being under the wrong the control of different governments, leave 3. Marine Fish Landing Statistics impression: that the Institute was doing this alone, actually managing them by different Historically, the collection of marine fisheries work ojily to provide data to the other governments. According to Rounsefell and statistics and estimation of landings and organisations and State governments. The Everhart (1953): effort are made by the Central Marine most important point here is that there was Fisheries Research Institute(CMFRI), no recognition to the fact that the CMFRI "In managing a particular which was recognised as the nodal being a- research institute having fishery it is essential to know institute for the purpose (Silas et al, 1984). responsibility over the entire nation, was whether the catch comes from one This Institute has developed the Stratified doing this work as a part of their own population or perhaps from Multistage Random Sampling Scheme research project work and it is only by^^ the way,offering the data to the of and implementation of all other Fishery Science without even mentioning ministries/departments of the central and activities related to aquatic resources. fishery biology, fish stock assessment/ state governments and that the institute population dynamics, survey and has all the expertise, facilities and budget While it is simply not correct even to assessment of fisheries resources under to perform the task. Fortunately, the attempt to partition the marine living the same major area. Interestingly many CMFRI took a decision to continue the resources on the basis of land-based of those subjects inckided under the area work undisturbed because the output of boundaries and manage the marine of "Fisheries Sciences" as mentioned this work constitutes the most important fisheries through convenience-based above cannot indeed be treated as part input for several research projects of the governance, the need for correcting the of or constituting Fishery Science (see the Institute and they cannot afford to age-old arrangement by bringing all description/definitions given at the very depend upon the data generated by the marine fisheries-based management beginning). What is the result of this state governments for research under the control of central government action? The contributions in biology, fish purposes. Interestingly, it is now or a consortium of State governments to stock assessment, survey and understood that the governments were be decided after thorough debate/ assessment of resources made by well- still unable to handle this programme deliberations and through proper designed experiments, conscientious satisfactorily in spite of completing about legislations, is imminent. It is important field data collection and researches over a quarter century of taking over the work. to acknowledge that the approach is only protracted periods in Fishery Science and The working group constituted by the to facilitate effective and controversy- achieving most useful and reliable results Planning Commission on Development free management by one single agency/ for taking most informed decisions for and Management of Fisheries and organisation and the States should not development/management of fisheries Aquaculture during the 12*'’ plan (Planning be under the view that their right is taken and more than anything else embrace Commission, 2012) is of the view that the away. The marine fisheries otherwise, the real fisheries science, have not been Departments of Fisheries in the States cannot be managed proficiently and receiving recognition. An excellent successfully. It is in this context that the example in this respect is given here: "... over the years have diluted creation of full ministry of fisheries at the during the early nineties the CMFRI their attention on data gathering, center becomes more critical though in made a concerted effort to process the resulting in poor data quality as also that case also the same problems/issues data collected in its research projects time lag in providing the are likely to persist if proper caution is during the previous 5-10 years till 1988, information. On the other hand, not exercised. Parallels should not be on major exploited resources of finfish, CMFRI has been continuing with its drawn between fisheries and other crustaceans and molluscs and pubhshed data collection programme, which subjects like agriculture and animal the results in three special numbers of unlike^ the DoF information is more husbandry for the simple reason that the the Indian Journal of Fisheries (Vol. 39 and robust and is carried o^it fisheries resources are aquatic and 40) in a total of 28 scientific papers systematically following standard require a very different and specialised covering 49 species which together methodology. Further, CMFRI approach. Fisheries, particularly marine constitute a major portion of the being a national institute with fisheries is a unique subject and totalexploited marine fishery resources. international repute, has the therefore requires a different treatment This was a classical work of the kind never wherewithal to improvise, tweak, from that of agriculture for example; it is done before in the country or even in the streamline and regularize the important that the central government region. These papers on the whole gave information flow on scientifically with the help of State governments brings the status of the exploited stocks and the established norms as and when out suitable policy and legislations at the management measures required to required". (p.97).And/'The CMFRI, earliest. In any case it must be accepted achieve sustainable yields. However the as a specialized research agency that development of the sector is of organisation or the scientists responsible focusing on R&D needs of the fundamental significance, however much for that did not receive any appreciation/ country, which no other agency in the fisheries decisions would be award/recognition for such an exciting the country can perform, has always preferred to be infltienced by political/ and valuable contribution. It must be been basing its assessment administrative considerations/ noted that the work mentioned above investigations on the precise data compulsions. constituted a major research effort by a assiduously collected by it. (p.98). national marine fisheries laboratory in V. FISHERY SCIENCE- the country. As mentioned elsewhere in The CMFRI has been doing the work THEPERCEPT80MS this article, the importance/outcome of since its inception very satisfactorily and research in Fishery Science is treated in supporting all those who needed the data; A.Fishery Science-the perceptions a rather routine manner. Incidentally, in it could have been in the fitness of thingsto spite of nearly a quarter century having continue the practice but because of the Certain scientific organizations. Science passed since the the completion of the opportunity for diarchy is available in the Academies and concerned agencies have above mentioned sttidy, attempts do not law,understandably the governments took their own perceptions which form the basis seem to have been made to examine the decisions against utilising the data of for assessment/evaluation of the research data collected subsequently and bring out CMFRI resulting in confusion, unnecessary work of individual Scientists for conferring updated reports on the status of the expenditure etc. If suitable legislations were Awards, Fellowships or for sanctioning exploited stocks. It is only this type of made this would not have happened. research grants and such others. For attitude/management that has led to the Fishery resources by their very nature, instance there are cases of treating very poor recognitionto Fishery Science unlike any other resource on land require subjects like fish nutrition, fish pathology, in India and to the persons pursuing it. In a different approach for management and fish biotechnology, fish genetics, fish certain instances scientists working in development. It is therefore desirable, to processing technology and aquatic Fishery Science have even 'migrated' to make separate laws to govern utilisation animal health under the major area of aquaculture apparently in search of better recognition to them and their work. where it is today contributing significantly cannot produce'eye-catching'or It needs to be acknowledged that the to export market and national economy 'attractive' results. It can only give the work for example on Nervous system. and livelihoods without adequate research status of the exploited stocks with Osteology, Genetics, Anatomy, contributions? Tliis author is aware of and reference to exploitatiol^, advice on Biochemistry or Physiology of 'fish' do not strongly believes, however, that tliere are increase or decrease of fishing effort, constitute work in Fishery Science. quite a good number of scientists who made regulation of gear/mesh, fishing ban really outstanding contributions in the area during certain season/s like peak A very prominent Science Academy in of Fishery Science in the subjects of spawning period, control of fishing in hidia conferred Fellowships on certain Taxonomy, Biology, stock assessment of certain grounds where brooders/ scientists for tlieir contributions in"Fisheries species of several families of finfish and jiiveniles are abundant and a few others. Sciences". From the given specialisations shellfish, survey and assessment, fishery These are only useful to take policy/ of the Fellows,one will notice that all tliose environment, design and development of management decisions and therefore fail recognised for the fellowship made suitable fishing gear and otliers whidi have to attract the attention of politicians or outstandiiig contributions in very important helped the government take appropriate administrators who may be looking for areas such as genomics, genetics, and informed decisions for development, "success stories" in regard to increased molecular genetics, DNA barcoding, management, education, training etc. At production and development of new marine biotechnology, fish avlture, aquatic the end of it one realises that the variety/breed and so on. Moreover, in the microbiology, larviculture, fish processing government and the industry became the case of research in Fishery Science, the technology, biochemistiy, food technology, beneficiaries of the research in Fishery results/recommendations need to be aquaculture management, pathology, Science but the 'poor fishery scientists' who translated into policy after duly consulting toxins, nutrition, endocrinology, physiology, contributed for all the developments with all the stake holders, as the decisions are alien species and/or freshwater and their research support, became the victims likely to affect the people/the fisher folk/ brackish water aquaculture. The most of circumstances—the lack of recognition the biodiversity/the resources/the export incredible revelation, however,is that even for their contribution to Fishery Science market/the state or national economy one expert of Fishery Science is not fotind which is largely due to the ostensible lack and several others. The fishery in the list of those recognised, though all of understanding of what fishery science is resources are renewable and therefore those recognised so far were stated to be (also see GuUand, 1983) or because there is the fisheries decisions are influenced by in the area of "Fisheries Sciences". Hence no interest in the subject due its perceived issues such as social, political, economic, a very pertinent question crops up - is it lack of 'attraction'. It is sad that only livelihood, environmental and others to that this country did/does not have even aqiiaculttire and its related subjects ensure sustainability and protect one scientist who had/lias contributed to including fish processing technology are livelihoods. Hence there is considerable Fishery Science/capture fisheries research recognised as constituting Fishery Science time lag before decisions are taken un|Uke significantly till now so as to receive as shown above but the work done in in agriculture/aquaculture. Occasionally recognition from a scientific organisation/ biology, stock assessment, survey and any decision may not also be taken even science academy or some such agency? If assessment of resources, taxonomy, when the scientific data warrant one, due tlie answer is yes, is it not high time to take biodiversity, fishery environment, fishing for example to socio-political-economic a review of the situation witli regard to this gear technology have not been considered compulsions as in the case of operatioii area of research being carried out in the under Fishery Science. It is believed of certain nets in inshore waters along national laboratories and the fisheries necessary that the concerned the south west coast or other colleges of the agricultural universities and organisations/agencies review the compulsions, as in the case of mesh size, take steps to 'correct' the state of affairs situation and take suitable action to get the effort of commercial trawlers aind so on immediately to be able to produce 'quality most appropriate definition of Fishery (see DAHDF, 2005). The fishery research' in this area at least from now on? Science and Aquaculture while attempting management decisions are principally Moreover,is it not true that one finds it to measure performances of people, made by considering socio-political diffiailt/impossible to comprehend how the institutions and so on. After all there is priorities and socioeconomic conditions Government and the industry took great sense of doing justice or fulfilling the and even the best, most reliable and initiatives and policy decisions all these responsibility in the most desirable/ desirable scientific advice may receive years for fisheries development to attain appropriate manner if the merits/ consideration/attention only after the the statLis it enjoys today,how the marine performances of people/institutions are political or rather the non-fisheries fish production in India for example grew assessed considering comparable considerations are met. Similarly, from about 50,000 toniies in the early fifties attributes. One wonders how one can development decision/ implementation to the 3.93 million tons in 2012 (see CMFRI, realistically compare a work on taxonomic of the recommendations is delayed 2014), how important management revision of a family of fishes represented presumably because of certain above- measures like seasonal closure of fisheries by 30 nominal genera and 75 nominal mentioned reasons. Under certain during monsoon were formulated and species or another work on a national basis socioeconomic or sociopolitical situations implemented, how the deep-sea fishing on stock assessment of certain species the accomplishments of a well-planned policy was formulated, how potential yield representing 75% of total landing for and implemented research programme estimates were made, how stock sizes of example with that of a work in aquatic animal may not lead to implementation by the certain unexploited resources were health or fish genetics? governments leading to a situation where estimated, how certain regulatory even the most outstanding scientific work measures were formulated for B. Issues of Visibility gets into crisis of credibility! It has to be implementation, how some excellent realized that unless the inherent value of taxonomic revisions were made, how Another factor, indeed the most a work/achievement is recognized and several other initiatives were taken and important, that is responsible for the lack rewarded the Fishery Science in India will more than anything else how the of recognition to Fishery Science appears continue to stagnate and quality talent multimillion dollar fishery industry stands to be the issue of'visibility' because it may not enter the field. And the nationc;^ would face in future a situation of total brackish water environment and fulfil the export, promotion of Tuna fishery, lack of expert scientists to address real requirements of cultivable species. There implementation of organic farming and fisheries issues when they are likely to are primarily marine and primarily conservation and management" in become more serious and critical due to freshwater organisms some of which addition to its major mandate of export changing conditions. One should not lose tolerate wide range of salinities and promotion. To fulfil its mandate in sight of what the negligence to taxonomy therefore are distributed in the estuaries aquaculture research and development, the research has caused to the nation when also at different levels (regions of MPEDA has established the Rajiv Gandhi it became most essential for addressing confluence of rivers and seas and Center for Aquaculture (RGCA) with the issues of for example aquatic showing gradient in salinity depending centres at different places in the country biodiversity.lt is worthwhile to quote: upon the proximity to rivers or seas) of including Andamans. The CIBA and RGCA salinity. It is for this reason, this author work under different ministries of the "Although management believes that any species, irrespective of Goverrunent of India doing more or less the difficulties often stem from whether it is a freshwater or marine same work. The RGCA is governed by an unrealistic visions of 'managing' species, can be taken to develop Executive Committee of which the Director marine resources in dynamic technologies for culture in brackish water CIBA is a member along with members ocean systems, with biological by the CIBA. This is the reason why, from different central and State goals compromised by political, seemingly, the CIBA earlier worked on a government organisations. The economic and social species of grouper (which is primarily "Technical/Scientific programmes considerations, the failure of marine and lives in deep seas extending involved in implementing various projects fisheries science and scientific up to 150m depth in coralline/rocky of RGCA are conceptualized and institutions to provide adequate regions and reproduces in the sea and finalized" by a Scientific Advisory stock information upon which to grows there) whereas the CMFRI has a Committee, which has, among others, the base management must be major research programme on grouper Deputy Director-General Fisheries ICAR, acknowledged" (Finlayson, 1994; aquaculture. Of course the CIBA conducts some senior level scientists of the CIBA Walters and Maguire, 1996, as research on milkfish, mullet, pearl spot, and others as the members (see http:// cited by Rose, G. A. 1997). Asian Seabass, some ornamental species www.rgca.org.in/aboutus.php). Besides, like Scatophagiis argus and achieved the CIBA and RGCA have research VB.!NST8Tyi80NSAW0 success in many areas. projects in cobia cultxire, a marine species, SPECIALISATIONS though another institute, the CMFRI has Presently the CIBA has another already worked in the breeding and seed 1. Aquaculture Research marine fish species {Cobia-Rachycentron production of this species. Earlier the cnnadiim,see armual report, CIBA,2014) on CIBA worked on grouper, a marine fish By around the beginning of seventies, the list of species studied by the Institute; species but seems to have dropped it the shrimp aquaculture started growing the CIBA states: later. The RGCA implements grouper very: fast and the industry was even aquaculture from Andamans. The getting the expertise from outside the "Regarding finfishes, Cobia CMFRI however is continuing research country. Almost around this period, the appears to be a very promising on this species also and achieved then existing fisheries research institutes species looking into its breakthrough in breeding and seed of ICAR diverted a major part of their tremendous potential for growth. production. research effort to aquaculture because We are in the process of looking of the fast growing export market mainly into various aspects of this species It is thus clear that certain research for penaeid shrimps. Naturally, the so that the farmer can culttire this institutes under the govermnent of India/' CMFRI which has the mandate of with confidence. The pearlspot is ICAR are working on the same species research in marine organisms was within another fish which is being simultaneously for aquaculture its right to implenlent research experimented upon for seed development.These organisations have to programmes in shrimp culture and CIFRI production and culture" (CIBA, implement projects without duplication or was also within its right to do the same 2014; p. 5-6) have to work together with consultations work in brackish water ponds since this and if necessary sharing the facilities. It is region was under that Institute's Interestingly, the CMFRI has a major most desirable however that these mandate. research programme on cobia culttu'e and organisations should grow with their made sigi^cant progress in breeding, larval individual specialisations, and grow into With the increased attention to coastal production and culture. However, despite centers of excellence in those subject and brackish water aquaculture and establisliing separate institutes, the ICAR areas.But who will decide? considering the major research work research institutes (CMFRI, CIBA, and conducted in freshwater aquaculture at the CIFRI) work in same or similar projects or 2. Fishery Resources Assessment and then CIFRI, the ICAR decided to provide work on same species as revealed by the Database Development focused attention to aquaculture sector. Institutes' reports. Added to this,certain Consequently two new research institutes organisations in other ministries also have a. ICAR Research Institutes: The cotmtry (CIFA and CIBA) separately for freshwater overlap in the mandate/research is blessed with 55 estuaries spread over an and brackish water aquaculture were programmes of these institutes as can be estimated area of 300, 00, 00 ha (Jha et al. established by drawing personnel and also seen for example from the programmes of 2008), a significant part of it supporting certain programmes from CIFRI and the Marine Products Export Development brackish water fisheries with the CMFRI. Authority (MPEDA). The MPEDA under productivity ranging from 45 to 75 kg/ha the control of the Ministry of Commerce and offering livelihood opportunities to a The mandate of CIBA affords the and Industry has R & D programmes large number of people and it is desirable Institute to select any species that can in"promotion of aquaculture for that adequate research support is offered tolerate wide ranges of salinity, thrive in production of shrimp and prawn for to this area also. The Indian estuaries support fisheries of stocks like hilsa, of postgraduates and doctorates in fisheries sector today, research in mullets, prawns, crabs etc., with high mariculture were produced. The aquaculture is most important for market demand, fetching good return to publications, newsletters etc. from the increasing production (as evident from the fishers (Jha et al, 2008). Institute in recent times take one to the growth of freshwater aquaculture in believe that CMFRI has major focus on India) as the wild stocks can support yield Tlie CIBA has the mandate "To act as mariculture. The mariculture division of only to certain levels and hence increased a repository of information on brackish the CMFRI has more than 25% of the research effort in aquaculture/ water fishery resources with a systematic scientists and the biotechnology division mariculture is most desirable and database" (CIBA, 2014, p. 18) but being a which implements research programmes essential in the context of contributing to research institute primarily on brackish relating to maricvilture has 9.1% of the fish food security. And, research in water aquaculture the institute needs to scientists of the Institute. Thus more than Fishery Science is equally if not more develop separate and additional manpower one third of the scientists of the Institute important in view of the infrastructure, to undertake this programme. Resources (38 out of 110 available)is engaged in employment, economy, fish food data collection, estimation of yield and mariculture research.There may be even nutrition, livelihoods and others related related aspects constitute another some more involved in areas like to capture fisheries production. specialised area - the Fishery Science extension research and others from and therefore need to have separate other divisions and the remaining The effort made by the CMFRI on manpower exclusively meant for this. scientists are shared by 8 other scientific fishery resources, their exploitation and Moreover, it is believed that a research divisions. The type of facilities and management,including biodiversity and institute in brackish water aquaculture infrastructure developed at Mandapam fishery environment indeed forms the basis has to be mandated to do only and certain other centres bear eloquent for policy decisions like seasonal fishing aquaculture research so that the institute testimony to the importance accorded to ban, regulating fishing effort, regulating will grow in that direction, offering mariculture at the Institute .This 'tilting' fishing gear, conservation of the resources, research support to any problem/issue towards mariculture appears to be protection of environment, ecosystem on coastal/brackishwater aquaculture primarily due to the fact that capture based fisheries management, nationally. Hence, there is need to transfer fisheries research in addition to 'suffering' formulating plan proposals and several the work pertaining to "information on from lack of support/recognition, is time- important decisions, but the required brackish water fishery resources with a consuming and laborious involving thrust is not forthcoming. In future there systematic database" to another institute adequate and meticulous data collection are going to be greater challenges in the dealing with and has the expertise in that in the field/onboard, analyse enormous most sensitive area of shared stocks subject.The CIFRI is collecting data from data collected over a number of years, (different neighboring countries Sunderbans on mangrove plants and interpret and draw conclusions, finally exploiting the same species stocks) and fishery of important species like Bombay- arriving at a set of conclusions helpful to cooperative research and management duck and also attempting to study the industry and the government develop of fisheries by different nations, together biodiversity in the region conforming to policy for the development of fisheries. becomes a reality. Till now there does not their mandate (see CIFRI, 2014) because However, the results and the seem to be any effort in this direction and the institute is specialised in fishery recommendations are brief running in a not even a beginning is made. The science and has all the expertise required line or two as for example: 'the fishing International Council for the Exploration to implement research projects. effort may be reduced by 30%' or 'the of the Sea (ICES) and its work are not mesh size of the gear may be increased able to enthuse India and perhaps the The CMFRI, is a premier research by 20%', or 'the fishing ground may be countries in the neighborhood institute of great reputation and closed for fishing during .... Months' etc. apparently because of the type of respect recognition for their contributions and The results are not 'attractive' and to Fishery Science in addition to of course expertise not only in India but in the world occasionally can even be 'uncomfortable' the subject of shared stocks being a very particularly in the Indo-west Pacific to the politicians and the administrators. sensitive one.And the stock assessment Region. The Institute was principally All this naturally detracts anybody from of exploited stocks done by any one single established to help increase marine fish doing anything in Fishery Science.A country and the management decisions production through research in capture similar effort in aquaculture, on the other flowing therefrom have limited meaning, fisheries (Jones, 1958). The research hand, is likely to produce quick results in the context of the same species stock initially was totally focused to address the which may be visible, attractive and can being exploited by different nations, as long FisheryScience and many contributions impress politicians, bureaucrats and as data from allcountries exploitirig the of great scientific value to the capture science managers; the personnel same species stockare not considered. fisheries and biodiversity were made. By concerned get the recognition or even Those who are responsible in the region for the beginning of seventies, the Institute rewards and awards of different kinds. example the BOBLME seems to be paying diverted major research effort to Interestingly the Institute also gets a very some attention to this but such an effort 'mariculture' starting with penaeid high visibility and appreciation. It is due needs to be strengthened greatly.lt is shrimps, pearl oyster, moving to mussel, to this, it is believed, that there is believed, however, that the SAARC should edible oyster, clams, sacred chanlc, finfish considerable fascination for such work in possibly take the initiative in this direction. (grouper, mullet, pearlspot and others), the institutions.lt needs to be borne in seaweeds and a few others. This mind that every aspect of scientific b. Fishery Survey of India (FSI):FSI is mariculture effort lead to the research has its own value/importance primarily a survey (exploratory) development of various teclinologies and and needs to be recognised on the basis organisation under the Agriculture Ministry the impact on increased production can of the contribution without unduly having its mandate/objective: be seen in a large volume of beautiful 'crediting' some and totally 'rejecting' publications. Indeed this effort also led others on rather flimsy grounds. Tliere is Survey and assessment of fish stocks to HRD in Mariculture - a large number however no denying the fact that in the and charting of fishing grounds in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone all the data collected in the cruises to the To develop management strategies (EEZ) and adjoining high seas. CMFRI for further analysis in conjunction for marine living resources through Monitoring of fishery resources for with the data on exploited stocks. Similar Ecosystem monitoring and modelling fisheries regulation, management linkages have to be developed with the efforts. CIFRI for inland fisheries. f'and conservation Evolving, coordinating and The FSI with its fleet of vessels, c. The Ministry of Environment, Forests implementing time targeted national / conducts surveys using different gears and Climate Change (MOEFCC) has the regional R&D programmes in the field targeting different species at different mandate related to fisheries, of (MOEFCC of marine living resources and ecology depths and makes estimation of the size 2014): through effective utilisation of Fishery of the populations (instantaneous) and and Oceanographic Research Vessel Environment and Ecology, including report the survey results to the Sugar Sampada. environment in coastal waters, in Governments. During the past the FSI mangroves and coral reefs but was conducting the so called exploratory Strengthening of research on marine excluding marine environment on surveys and furnishing the data to the living resources and Ecology including the high seas. CMFRI which has the major mandate on establishment of a data center for the marine fisheries of the nation to put Survey and Exploration of Natural storage and dissemination of data/ together the data on exploited stocks and Resources particularly of Forest, iriformation to end users. the exploratory fishing and for making Flora, Fauna, Ecosystems (Estuarine Coordinating the national assessments. ecosystem. Marine /Island programmes relating to Southern ecosystem. Biosphere Reserve / Ocean Living Resources (Antarctic According to the Report of the Conservation areas) etc. marine living resources) Working Group on Development and The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 In spite of such an overarching Management of Fisheries and of 1972) with the wild life institute at mandate on marine living resources, so Aquaculture for the XII Five Year Plan: Dehra dun 2012-17 (Planning Commission, 2012:103- far as this author is aware, the CMLRE The Environment (Protection), Act, 104) the four institutes (FSI, CIFNET, only plays a facilitating role in vessel- 1986 (29 of 1986). CICEF and NIFPHATT) under the based research The Research Vessel ministry of agriculture Zoological Survey of India a premier FORVSagar Sampada attached to the organisation, with the primary CMLRE, Kochi is regarded as the national "... have also weakened objective of survey, collection, facility and is available to the staff and considerably in terms of their documentation (including the students of research institutes and manpower and wherewithal. traditional knowledge associated universities dealing with marine living Some of them have also lost with animals) and ex situ conservation resources, for regular cruises. The their relevance to a of wild animal diversity of the country. CMLRE sanctions research projects to considerable extent and are Coastal Zone Management implement using this vessel facility and undertaking work that has little also sanctions positions of Research Though it is understood that the impact on the sector per se. scholars for carrying out the work thus development and management side of the Presently, a sound review of helping develop HRD in Taxonomy, mandate is with this ministry, the wildlife their performance might survey and assessment, biology aiid stock protection in aquatic environment, (which conclude that their assessment of Marine Living Resources. is nothing but protection of wild stocks/ continuation or otherwise may species in the seas, rivers and reservoirs not have much impact on the VII. SOIVIE ISSUES IN CAPTURE and is only a fisheries matter and therefore fisheries sector." FISHERIES RESEARCH the DAHDF becomes the nodal department "...Therefore, it is proposed to address this issue), protecting coral reefs. 1,R & D programmes for that all the four institutes be Survey and Exploration of Natural implementation merged into a single institute..." Resources particularly the flora and fauna of Estuarine ecosystem. Marine ecosystem "...which may be named as the The commercially and economically and biosphere reserves, the responsibility Indian Fisheries Development important activities such as exploration is witli the Ministry of Agriailture and the Institute (IFDI). Further the Report and exploitation of gases and oils from concerned state governments. It is in such says "In the process, some of the marine environments, mining of sea situations that there is conflict of interest. redundant activities carried out by bottom for minerals and sands, While such a situation cannot perhaps be these Institutes could be stopped establishment of floating power plants in avoided, there is need to constitute and only need-based activities the seas, culture of interministerial working groups with would be allowed." commercially import ant organisms, scientists and the industry representatives establishment of artificial reefs, to formulate suitable management increased use of nearshorewaters for It is hoped that the Government will measures instead of independent action recreation and sport andharvesting the suitably redefine the work of FSI soon by by one particular ministry/department living resources from the coastal waters involving the right people in the decision when several ministries/departments are and deep seas to contribute to fish food making in addition to but not restricting to looking at the same general subject. the internal (serving) personnel. Since this security, national economy and so on is a survey organisation, it is desirable that d. Centre for Marine Living Resources and have stimulated substantial interest in the they develop a linkage with the CMFRI Ecology (CMLRE) Under the Ministry of use of the seas. However the dynamic the.,pnly national research institute on Earth Sciences: nature of the marine living resources matine fisheries, conduct surveys in spreading over different ecological consultation with the CMFRI and furnish The mandate of this organisation is zones, non-demarcation of territorial boundaries as in land, invisible nature of reaching larger lengths and weights. establishing firm research base in Fishery the resources and the open access nature These species spawn during short and Science; this happened also because of of fisheries make the research and well-defined periods iii a year. Method of the lack of trained manpower in the management of the resources ageing these fishes using hard parts has country to guide research in Fishery difficult.Further, increasing pollution of been well established and a very good Science so that firm database could be the marine region is greatly affecting the and reliable system of reading scales and developed.This in its turn has led the ecology and resources of the region. Tlius otohths relatively easily and satisfactorily scientists working on^ aspects of biology/ meaningful research on fishery resources has been developed and it became easier natural history adapting the methodology including the habitat and ecosystem to age individual specimens in the catches developed for species in temperate becomes highly complex. The major R &D which facilitates estimation of age regions. While this is not correct, the field programmes to be implemented at the composition of catches and mortality of Fishery Science remained a present juncture are on: rates easily and with reasonable generalised subject, even after nearly confidence. This ability has facilitated the seven decades of initiating organised Stock assessment of exploited stocks catch forecasting also. research in the country with anybody, experts as well as amateurs talking of and management advice for In the case of India, a tropical country, Fishery Science with more or less equal sustainable yields and protecting there was no formal fisheries education till 'expertise', as if anybody can formulate/ livelihoods. long after independence resulting in tlie lack implement research progl^mmes.One of knowledge or ability to carry out Pollution of the seas by different sees a rather casual attitude antong some fisheries research efficiently. industrial and domestic activities researchers of fishery science while including tourism. Consequently personnel with Zoology/ working on certain aspects of biology. As marine biologyqualifications were Demarcation of coastal areas for an example, even now it is seen that performing the research function mainly mariculture and capture fisheries. researchers in 'big' laboratories and adopting the methodology developed for universities 'estimate' fecundity of Exploitation of deep-sea resources, temperate species. The tropical fisheries fractional spawners using inappropriate ■> Seasonal fishing ban in Indian seas. like those of India, are constituted by a material and methods. There are also large number of species which grow at Coastal zone management. instances of researchers classifying the faster rates and live for shorter periods Improving the quality of the data, gonads of Indian marine fishes into of 3-6 years with maximum length of different maturation stages following the D e V e 1 o p i n g / i m p r o V i n g majority (excepting tunas, seer fishes, scale developed for fish in the Nortli Sea! methodologies for assessment of elasmobranchs, some sciaenids, Or simply classifying the maturation tropicalmarinefish stocks. groupers, snappers, some carangids and stages rather arbitrarily and without any Taxonomic revisions a few others) not exceeding 30-40 cm. biological meaning.Similarly certain These species spawn almost continuously Describing the biodiversity and 'researches' are done on ova diariieter in batches and recruitment is also conserve the same. frequency distributions in some species continuous, making it difficult to age these Identifying MPAs and formulate without looking at the biological fishes using length. Aging the tropical strategies for their management/ significance/meaning of the diameter. species using hard parts is yet to be conservation. Some Papers are published on age developed and validated; though a few determination using scales/otoliths/fin Estimation of potential yield from the studies were made, there is no convincing spines/bones using smaller, rather Indian EEZ at intervals for taking evidence to show that the growth checks inadequate samples and without important policy decisions. on scales and otoliths are indeed valid convincingly validating the growth checks Management of Large Marine indicators of age. In the case of certain or without satisfactorily deducing Ecosystems-BOBLME, freshwater species it was shown beyond evidence to establish the periodicity in doubt that the well-defined growth checks Developing joint research the formation of growth checks.The present in the scales are not valid in programmes with neighboring results of such studies cannot be utilised determining age (Murty, 1976). Necessarily, countries -cooperative research by because they do not help/facilitate therefore the researchers depend on length SAARC countries. reading the hard parts on a routine basis data and the computer programmes. In Taking suitable action to understand to determine age of individual fish, recent years, the availability of software, in the impact of climate change on fish estimation of age composition and other spite of shortcomings/limitations has led to stocks and the fishery environment characteristics of the exploited increased use of length frequency data populations such as mortality rates. This It is essential that mission-oriented for studies on growth and population is the consequence of attaching poor/ research is planned to implement the above- dynamics.However, the inability to age casual attention to Fishery Science. It is mentioned R & D programmes fishes using hard parts has led to the time that the Research organisations inability to age individual specimens and 2. Fishery Science - Imperative need concerned strengthen basic research, estimation of age composition of catch to for encouraging basic research critically scrutinise and evaluate the carry out virtual population analysis and methodologies of research in biology/ even the forecasting of future catches. Fishery Science is nearly 300 years natural history and help develop a strong old having originated in the temperate research base in Fishery Science. regions. The resources in these regions When organised and responsive are characterised by smaller number of fisheries research was initiated in India 3.CMFRI and Marine Fisheries Research species and those contributing to the in 1947, the objective was production and along the Andhra Pradesh Coast fisheries not exceeding about a dozen or increased production resulted in the two. The growth rates are slower and major research effort going into The CMFRI implements its research almost all species live up to higher ages exploitation and its strategies rather than projects through the regional/research centres established along the coast of the Fig. 1. District wise proportion (%) of estimated annual average landings in Andhra Pradesh country to be able to address the during 1980-1999 (Source CMFRI) research needs of the different hydro- climatic regions. Along the east coast maximum landing by trawlers takes place at Kakinada.The data on the District wise marine fish production in Andhra Pradesh during 1980-1999 show that the East Godavari district-in which Kalgenera position in terms of trawl landings in the largest families of fishes from India are based on one or a few specimens and comparison to Visakhapatnam and with about 32 genera and 140 species of therefore did not take the intraspecific Chennai and it is only reasonable to have which 62 species belongingto 20 genera variation into account leading to the original the research center reestablished for are known from India (Joshi et ah, 2011). descriptions being inadequate for purposes more efficient and effective capture After Day (1878) who described 38 species of identification and necessitating fisheries research. (see also Talwar and Kacker,1984) there redescription of species using adequate was no taxonomic work incorporating the number of specimens and taxonomic 4.Taxonomy and its status descriptions of all tlie known 62 species and reviews. Research or development of any 20 genera making it very difficult to kind cannot be carried out meaningfully Several Indian researchers did correctly identify the species. Besides, without consulting the type of taxonomic taxonomy research and published considerable intraspecific variation with research that is mentioned above. However, taxonomic reviews of very high quality on growth is known in carangid fishes which unfortunately such quality work would not different organisms starting from Protozoa can lead to identification of specimens of receive any recogrution though nothing can to Vertebrata (Fishes) which are different lengths of the same species as move forward without constantly indispensable reference works for different species. Joshi {et ah, 2011) made referring to the taxonomic work anybody carrying out any research or a comprehensive study and gave cited.Fortunately,"In order to encourage development work. However, historically adequate descriptions, data, distribution work of excellence in taxonomy and also there has been criticism against such charts, photographs of species and to encourage young students and work in Fisheries Research institutes, taxonomic discussions in addition to a scholars to work in this field of science" indeed there was discouragement for tliis comprehensive study of all the length (http://envfor.nic.in/sites/default/files/ work totally disregarding the relationship groups of different species taking into fellowships/Rules) the Ministry of of taxonomy with any research work on account the variation with growth. Environment, Forests and Climate ecology and fisheries science. The Ph.D. Another example is the family Change instituted an award for work in students and some staff in CMFRI were Platycephalidae which was in total chaos taxonomy called as "E.K. Janaki Ammal vigorously pursuing taxonomy research in not having adequate descriptions, not National Award on Animal Taxonomy". about half a century ago on both having keys for identifications of genera Considering the volume of taxonomy invertebrates (Porifera, Coelenterata, and species and not having figures/ work required in different aquatic Polychaeta, Mollusca, Crustacea, photographs for facilitating identification. animals, there is need to institute more Echinodermata) and vertebrates Besides, the nomenclature was also in such awards and create employment (finfishes) due to the strong utter confusion with a large number of opportunities in Taxonomy/Biodiversity determination of visionaries like Dr S. nominal genera(31) and nominal species to encourage young personnel to enter Jones, the former Director of CMFRI but (70), all leading to incorrect identification this field and continue.The MOEFCC may by around mid-seventies this was totally of species often. More than anything else consider increasing the awards to at least stopped. No attempt was made to utilise there was no single publication which 5 for aqtiatic organisms. The ICAR having the available expertise in the taxonomy gives the descriptions of all known the mandate on Biodiversity must also of different phyla, resulting in the lack of species from the country. A taxonomic institute some high value awards for qualified and experienced taxonomists on revision of this family was carried out and encouraging outstanding research in various phyla/groups. Even now, the the results published giving original data, taxonomy and biodiversity of aquatic concerned agencies do not seem to be revised descriptions of species, organisms. making efforts to utilise the services of descriptions of type specimens, the retired personnel for the benefit of redescriptions of type species, keys for 5. Working groups to "Estimate" the institutions/organisations involved in identification of genera and species, Potential yield aquatic biodiversity. It is unfortunate that discussions on the synonyms, new the institutions concerned are not also interpretations and finally showing that For quite some time, at certain making attempts to consolidate the only 8 genera are valid (of these, only intervals, the government of India has existing knowledge on taxonomy by five genera are known from India) with been constituting "working groups" to publishing monographs taking the help only 14 valid species from India(Murty estimate/revalidate potential yield of of tlmose experts who spent 30-40 years in and Manikyam, 2007). The work of the marine fishery resources. Such working working on taxonomy of particular phyla/ nature and size (which, among others, groups were constituted with retired as groups. If the institutions were allowed involves study of all the literature from well as working personnel including to continue their work on taxonomy then, the time of Linnaeus, examination of all scientists as chairperson and members. the country would have been in a better type material of all species in the type The Director, CMFRI and the DG FSI are position to address marine biodiversity repositories in the world and examination always there in the working group as conservation now. However India is of preserved specimens and a large member and member-secretary pursuing research in taxonomy only to number of fresh specimens and others), respectively. The TOR of this working be able to understand the biodiversity as any qualified and well-trained group (see Anon. 2000 for example) is: now. Meanwhile some of the experts in taxonomist would understand, normally ^ "To revalidate the potential yield Taxonomy of certain groups/phyla left take a few years by a dedicated team of service by superannuation etc without estimates of marine fishery scientists. This author believes that the resources made in the year .....on(-^ m the basis of subsequent research, database development and making the scientific contribution to the subject of ban survey and...,.EEZ" estimates over a period of several years on monsoon fishing having high referience "To estimate the additional and also have experts in the concerned value for all concerned governments for harvestable yield that could be area, just get the credit of only "assisting taking iiiformed decisions. This publication obtained....EEZ" the committee/working group". In fact was issued in October 1992. The concerned the working group constitutes two "To, give suggestions on State Governments in India however, subgroups one each from the CMFRI and conservation of fishery stocks....." continued to appoint committees to go FSI "to analyse the data and workout the into the matter of monsoon fishing. Thus The working group was given six potential yield estimates on the basis of it became a socio-political and socio­ months to submit the report. data collected by both the organisations." economic issue. The Kerala government (This author was a member of the constituted "expert" committees 10 times Any working group, conceptually, has subgroup from CMFRI in the year 2000). members representing different from 1981 to 2003 on monsoon trawl ban in Kerala and four times (see Ghosh, 2004) organisations or if in the same It is most desirable to dispense with even after the above-mentioned organisation, different divisions/ the practice of constituting working publication of CMFRI was brought out. specialisations/disciplines etc, and all of groups for the purpose of estimating them contribute to the work of the working potential yield to begin with and then Perhaps the CMFRI should have a group with their own data and mandate the CMFRI suitably to do the continuing research programme on this spedalisationon a particular project. The work of the estimation of potential yield subject and advise the concerned data and infrastructure required to fulfil in association with FSI. In reality this is government every year in the month of the TOR in the present case (briefly given what is done even under the present May. However, the State governments above) are available with only a couple arrangement of working groups. If approached this issue independently of institutions and only those additional inputs are required these two because the subject is in their jurisdiction orgarusations actually do the work for the organisations can get the same on their and they are entitled to do so working group. Hence the so called own. And, if necessary the final report independently. Any State government working group in reality is not a working can be discussed in a workshop with the could straightaway request the CMFRI group but only a committee. association of organisations and people to give their view on the subject and go the government wants and in fact wants The experience shows that it is the ahead with action. But this would not to place them in the working group and always happen!!! CMFRI that does the major work of the required consensus/clarity/ estimating the potential yield because of the transparency can be achieved without The maritime State Governments and database on several aspects of exploited the working group and with a great sense the Government of India have been issuing stocks in the EEZ and the expertise that of involvement and achievement by the ban orders for fishing operations in certain the institute possesses. The FSI concerned institutions and scientists. periods during the monsoon months every supplements the work of CMFRI with its year. The Government of India constituted data on exploratory surveys. Thus it is 6. Ban on trawling during Monsoon a Committee on 1®‘ January, 2004 to study these two organisations that do all the and report the impact of such closed work pertaining to estimation of potential During the early seventies and later, fishing season on the marine fishery yield. In fact no other organisation in the the marine fishing activities expanded by resources of the country (DAHD, 2005) country is in a position to do this work. extension of fishing into relatively deeper with the TOR as below, which this author While "Working Groups" of the nature of waters and fishing during monsoon months believes is as large and broad-based as the one constituted in the present case along the west coast particularly along the mandate of a large marine fisheries or the "Committees" cannot be expected Kerala Coast. This development in its research institute and to fulfil the TOR to make estimates of potential yield and wake brought certain economic/socio will take at least 3-4 years for the type of the like, more particularly for the type of economic issues into the scene resulting the committee constituted: tall TOR given to this working group, one in clashes between artisanal and fails to see reason for constituting these mechanised fishing groups sharing the To carry out an evaluation study on working groups for the purpose instead same resources and the State the impact of closed season in of simply mandating the concerned governments imposing ban on trawling increasing the fishery resources of national research institutes to implement in the territorial waters during monsoon the Indian EEZ the programme on their own and come period. Naturally all this has bearing on up with the required estimates/ the fish/shrimp/mollusc stocks that are To study the population dynamics, knowledge/information. The Research exploited. The CMFRI took a proactive recruitment, fecundity, natural death, Institutions specialised in Fishery Science step and on its own, made a special study catch etc. and the MSY and MEY in like the CMFRI could be entrusted with on the Monsoon Fisheries of the West the Indian coasts the responsibility of the entire work of coast of India (Rao et al. 1992) and brought -> To study the diurnal oscillation, the working group, but the generosity of out 17 scientific papers (one each on eutrophication and upwelling season, the Government in constituting working Oceanography and Productivity, 13 on migration, productivity of waters group for the purpose has unwelcome exploited major fii\fish and shellfish stocks during and after monsoon months impact on the institutes concerned with and one each on socio-economic aspects of (closed season) the credit that is totally due to CMFRI fishing during monsoon and impact of and FSI does not go to them and the fishing during monsoon period on the -> Whether all fishing including fishing working group consisting of people from resources including certain suggestions and by non-mechanized traditional crafts other organisations and associating with recommendations. The publication, which with OBM/IBM to be banned during the work for just six months receive the was the most relevant and need-based at closed season or the type of crafts credit. On the other hand, these that time (indeed, possibly even now), which can be allowed during closed Institutions which are responsible for could only be rated as an outstanding season Similar to the working group on manner in which such authorities available, suitable important legislations potential yield mentioned above, this set up in other countries function are yet to be made and so on. Though a committee was also given six months' and to be responsible for significant proportion of manpower and time to submit the report. This committee formulation of policies as well as budget are utilised for research in Fishery has only fisheries departments of certain their implementation." Science, in different fisheries research State governments as members in laboratories, the work done in Biology, addition to the CMFRI and the FSI. Again, And curiously, in spite of accepting all Population Dynamics/Stock assessment. as above, here also only the CMFRI and the recommendations of the committee, Taxonomy, Biodiversity, fishery the FSI possess the database and the the Government simply added "Fisheries" enviromnent, fishing gear technology and expertise to implement the task as per to the already existing "Department of such others, the recipients of honours/ the TOR. Tine constitution of committees Animal Husbandry and Dairying" and Fellowships in the "Fisheries Science" are for such purposes when there are retained it under the Ministry of not experts in these subjects but belong to specialised research institutions doing Agriculture. The central Government must subjects in the area of the work will undemiine the institutions. have thought it prudent, rightly so, that as aquaculture.Whereas these two subjects The government which has established long as the activities do not change and as are different, they are treated as these institutions should not themselves long as the other ministries/departments synonyms resulting in the subjects under be responsible for such undermining. continue to indulge in fisheries related aquaculture getting recognised and the work creation of a ministry exclusively for VIII. DEWIAMD FOR SEPARATE MINISTRY scientists working in aquaculture getting fisheries is not going to help improve the OF FISHERIES rewarded. It is critical that certain very situation. The aspiration of all those important decisions are taken and concerned with fisheries is that the subject Highlighting the subject of Fisheries implemented to support Fishery Science has become very important during the receive its due recognition. ' being handled by different ministries/ past, at least, two-three decades and departments, the Central Marine therefore a fully dedicated Ministry of India is the second largest fish Fisheries Research Institute in their Fisheries at the center alone will be able producing nation in the world with the Vision 2020 (CMFRI, 1997) stated that address everything in fisheries efficiently estimated annual fish production of the "any setup like this in the absence and effectively, thus leading to the order of 9.5 million tonnes and export of any mandatory linkages may recognition of fisheries as a very important earnings of Rs 30213.26 crores (DAHDF, cause hurdles/bottlenecks in the and specialised subject. Thus the demand 2014), about 14.5 million people depend on process of development besides for a separate ministry of fisheries or R & fisheries in India for their livelihoods. The often resulting in duplication of D Authority has been there for quite some contribution of fisheries in 2012-13 at effort" and therefore suggested that time but nothing significant in the direction current prices GDP from Fisheries was Rs "at least all the activities related to has happened. All this has happened/ 78053 crores; the contribution of the marine fisheries should be brought happening because Fisheries did not fisheries sector to total GDP was 0.83% under the conti'ol of an independent receive its due recognition of a highly while that of agrictilture sector was 4.75% agency as for example "Marine specialised and complex subject requiring (DAHDF, 2014). Fisheries Research and expert scientists to handle various issues. The marine fisheries is a very important Development Authority to be wholly Unfortunately people who matter chose sector in India with 8129 Ion of coast line, manned by scientists..." to offer a blind eye and deaf ear to this. However, it is most astounding that all the 0.5 million sq Ion of continental shelf and an Due to a major concern that Fisheries State governments have ministries of EEZ area of 2.02 million sq km. Tlie marine and Fishery Science have not been receiving cabinet rank of fisheries whereas the fishing is carried out from 3288 fishing due attention, several organizations/ central government with much greater villages and the catch is landed at 1511 committees/individuals have been making and broader national responsibilities do landing centers along the coast. The total recommendations/demands for the not have one that too in spite of demands marine fisher folk population is 4.0 million creation of an independent Ministry of from various sections and suggestions of which 2.544 million are engaged in fishing Fisheries at the center for quite some time from important committees constituted by and related activities. A total of 1.52 million and the recent suggestion of creation of the government themselves. are engaged in active fishing of which 1.292 Ministry of Fisheries in the Central million have full time work. There are 194490 Government by James (2014), is most IX. THEN WHAT SHOULD BE THE fishing a-afts in the fishery of which 71961 welcome. The concerned ministry/ FUTURE LIKE? are mechanised, 71961 are Motorised and governments however, have not been 50568 Non-motorised(CMFRI 5012). The paying adequate attention to such The above narration of facts, views, value of the marine fish landings at the suggestions. The committee to review the perceptions and experiences reveals that landing center level (point of first sales) was Deep-Sea Fishing Policy 1991 (also known the involvement of different ministries in estimated at Rs 24372 crores and the point as the Murari Committee) of which this addressing fisheries issues has its own of last sales was found to be Rs 38152 crores author was a member, made 21 difficulties/disadvantages, there is quite (CMFRI, 2012). The estimated potential recommendations and the Government some duplication of effort by certain yield of marine fish in the Indian EEZ is of accepted all the recommendations. The national organisations, the government the order of 4.41 million tonnes (Anon. 2011), recommendation 13 states; and research organisations still follow the old practice of appointing zoology (e.g. The inland fisheries sector is also a very "All types of marine fisheries physiology/ parasitology/marine biology) important one in India with 195095 Ion of should come under one Ministry. academics on the expert committees on rivers and canals, 29.26 lakh ha of The Government should also fisheries when a large number of fisheries reservoirs 24.24 lakh ha of tanks and ponds, consider setting up a Fishery scientists, administrators and fisheries 7.98 lakh ha of Flood plain Lakes & Derelict Authority of India to fimction in the professionals both working and retired are Water bodies. The total inland fish production forms about 63% of total fish Crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, the fisheries and aquaculture research production of the country (DAHDF, prawns). Molluscs (octopuses, needs to be put under a separate umbrella 2014)and freshwater aquaculture accounts squids, cuttlefishes, oysters, mussels, preferably by establishing Indian Council for 80% of freshwater fish production. gastropods) of Fisheries Research (ICFR) which will Plant resources: Marine algae function in a manner similar to that of the 1. Central Ministry of Fisheries and (including seaweeds), sea grasses, ICAR and transfer the existing research Aquaculture (MFA) and National Task freshwater algae, plants and institutions to its control. Forces A large number of other living 3. Constitution of working groups A sector of the above magnitude is not resources (coral reefs, turtles, only 'tagged' to agricultLire ministry as a mammals), sensitive ecosystems. The different organisations/institutes part of a department in the central All the above resources exhibit very dealing with fisheries under different government but even serviced by different different biological characteristics and ministries/departments appear to have other ministries/departments in the central require expert involvement/intervention at overlapping mandate/objectives and are as well as State governments. The impact r e ^ a r and frequent intervals to their study. implementing same or similar work of such a dispensation is explained above The fish populations are ir^lluenced by the programmes resulting in unnecessary with certain examples. Besides,there has oceanographic or limnological duplication of effort. These are already been a demand from the public and certain characteristics and productivity of the seas, mentioned above: RGCA and CIBA are committees appointed by the central rivers, lakes and expert oceanographers, working on brackish water aquaculture government for the establishment of a limnologists are required to address of same species and also working on a separate ministry of fisheries in the Centre. research issues. Exploitation of resources species of marine fish in which CMFRI is Th;^ first and foremost action required from in the seas in depths extending up to and also working and made considerable the central government, therefore, is to beyond 500 m depth, in the rivers and progress. There are several other immediately establish a Ministry of different other aquatic environments organisations where similar duplication Fisheries and Aquaculture(MFA)(not merely requires very different, scientifically of effort is seen. The MoFiAq/ICFR has a Ministry of Fisheries)and transfer the designed and tested fisliing gears. Fisheries to constitute working groups to see that fisheries portion of tlie DAHDF to tliis new resources are natLu-al and renewable and the duplication of effort is utilised to the ministry. The other ministries having therefore the wild stocks have to be best of the requirement if the same could fisheries mandate/role to be included in a exploited in a sustainable manner to be not be avoided by distributing task force to be named as Task Force on able to help tlie posterity and help protect responsibilities or even by reorganising Fisheries R&D separately for marine and the biodiversity and the ecosystems. the research by establishing a couple of fresh water fisheries and also for Obviously foctis on Fishery. Science, which new institiitions and redefining the work aquaculture/coastal aquaculture by the is very different from Agriculture/Animal of some of the existing organisations. new MFA and all the others as members. Husbandry, becomes the topmost priority. All matters related to national fisheries Being aquatic, the fisheries require a very The working groups shall be in areas shall be discussed in the task force meetings different and difficult approach to address of: and the nodal ministry (MFA) would research issues in monitoring the implement action. This will prevent resources, fishing methods, study of Brackish water aquaculture duplication of effort, conflicting/ biological diaracteristics on continual basis Brackish water fisheries controversial decisions and facilitate fast to develop database taking into account Marine fisheries and efficient decision making. More than seasonal and annual variations, stiidy of Riverine Fisheries anytliing else, fisheries represents a major fisheries environment and its influence on food sector in India being next only to the availability and abundance of fish Reservoir/lacustrine fisheries agriculttire and a dedicated ministry of stocks, estimation of potential yield, Freshwater aquaculture fisheries at the center is not too much to monsoon or seasonal fishing ban and a Coastal aquacultLU-e and Mariculture demand/expect. Essentially, it must be large nmnber of others including impact of understood that it is not the Ministry of climate change which require highly 4. Identity of Fishery Science Fisheries that is going to do everything in specialised, data intensive researches and Fisheries and Aquaailture all on a sudden to facilitate taking informed, and timely This author strongly believes that ever but it is the sense of belonging/ decisions for development and since aquaculture research in national involvement/satisfaction of the people management. wcirldng in implementing the programmes fisheries laboratories started receiving of fisheries that matters very much if there There is also need for addressing a importance, the Fishery Science became is a full-fledged Ministry of Fisheries and large number of research issues in a casualty and started receiving no or very AquacultLire at the center. coastal aquaculture, mariculture and poor attention for reasons sufficiently freshwater aquaculture to help increase described/discussed elsewhere in this 2. Fisheries Research Institutes under a production and related matters. There are article. Though there was very good different Umbrella also issues of livelihoods of a large performance by some scientists number of people exclusively dependent committed to Fishery Science their work Fisheries itself as subject is highly on fishing and associated sectors. Such a did not receive adequate attention/ diversified because of: very unique field should not continue on recognition and was treated in a rather routine maimer. Tliis sitxiation arose partly The environments: Marine, a long term basis under agriculture for its improved and sustained growth and because of the notion that Aquaculture Estuarine, Brackish water. and FisheryScience are the same. While Freshwater (including cold water) effective implementation of all programmes. To ensure most effective certain facts on this are mentioned above, -> The animal resources: Finfish direction and guidance from the best it is necessary that these two sciences are (Elasmobranchs, teleosts). informed and expert fishery scientists. viewed separately for assessing/ reviewing/recognising the achievements of Coastal Aquaculture and Maiiculture research which no other fisheries research of people and the institutions. There is (CICAM). Alternatively the culture institute in the country including the urgent need to understand/realise that activities presently carried out at the deemed university in fisheries has, the there are vast natural resources of CMFRI be merged with the CIBA and scientific expertise available, the quality of fisheries which need to be managed by rename it as CICAM. the research projects implemented, the well-planned policies/decisions which -> The activity pertaining to database number of original scientific papers result from an adequate database, study on brackish water fisheries presently published from the Institute, the quality of of various aspects of exploited stocks and with the CIBA be transferred to CIFRI writing research papers and scientific/ related environment. It is highly desirable because CIFRI is "the custodian of technical documents, the experience of that the concerned organisations/ estuarine research in the country" teaching and HRD in fisheries and above agencies/academies treat aquaculture (Jha et al, 2008, p 18). all the international recognition the CMFRI (including all those sciences related to it) enjoys, amply justify such an action. After The RGCA and CIBA (=CICAM)work and FisheryScience (including Taxonomy, such an upgradation, the proposed out modalities of working together biodiversity, biology. Population NIRTTMF has to be mandated to offer without duplicating their efforts on Dynamics, fisheries environment, fishing education and training programmes the same species simultaneously. gear technology) separately for purposes tropical marine fisheries to different of assessment/recognition etc. This approach is expected to lead to countries in the Indo-west Pacific region in greater focus to research in capture addition to conducting advanced research 5. Specialisation of Researcii Institutes fisheries, biodiversity conservation and programmes in fisheries oceanography, global warming and climate change in the As mentioned above, different marine fisheries, marine biodiversity CMFRI and, the CIBA (to be renamed as conservation including marine protected institutes are doing research on same CICAM)will be more efficient in species at different places or even at the areas and conduct basic researches in implementing all brackish water same place. This practice has ostensibly several aspects of biology. It has also to be aquaculture and mariculture projects and resulted in ignoring certain major mandated to initiate and coordinate the CIFRI will have its mandate on inland research programmes and in some cases cooperative research programmes with fisheries overall. Moreover the institutes necessitating development of separate member countries of the SAARC. will be able to maintain their specialisations, expertise and infrastructure. There are grow into centers of excellence and avoid X. REFERENCES also instances of the institutes moving duplication of effort. It needs to be noted ANON. 2000. Report of the working grdup for away from their areas of major focus for that since 1987 the CIFRI revalidating the potential of fisheiy Resources in the various reasons including"visibility". Indian EEZ. 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