KOCHI: The bevy of school and college students, who thronged the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here, on Friday enjoyed the rare privilege of getting a ringside view of marine biodiversity.
It was as part of the CMFRI 70th foundation day celebrations that CMFRI threw open its museum doors to the public. Some 4,000 people watched in awe the wonders and secrets of marine biodiversity. The visitors displayed keen interest in understanding the functioning of the fish ageing laboratory situated at the Pelagic Division of the CMFRI.
The laboratory uses state-of-the-art equipment to find out the age of the fishes.And the scientists explained to the visitors the various stages involved in the process.
The antarctic krills, horse shoe crab, sea snakes, sea birds, pearl oyster, sea cow, sharks, penguin and dolphins are the main attraction at the marine biodiversity museum, which is designated as the National Repository by the Union Government.
Around 1,137 finfish species, 153 crustaceans, 487 molluscs, 49 echinoderms, 198 corals and sponges, 91 seaweeds and 233 other specimens make up the collection. Species new to science (Holotype), including fishes, corals, sponges, bryozoans and gastrotriches are also on display.
Fish farming models such as cage fish farming, aquaponics and ornamental fish farming were demonstrated at the stall set up by the Mariculture Division. Working models of the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), an innovative facility for fish farming, was a major attraction.The Marine Aquarium offered a display of diverse aquatic species in the sea.
The visitors also interacted with the scientists and engaged in discussions on the issues in the marine fishery of the country.