KOCHI: The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) will launch a project to popularise diversified aquaculture of native freshwater fish facing threat of extinction, with the aim of conserving the species.
As part of the initiative, farming of fish species like snakehead, climbing perch, catfish, large barb and ornamental fish varieties will be promoted under the Prof Alikunhi Chair for Sustainable Aquaculture System. The Chair has adopted strategies for conservation of fish species of commercial value by developing standardised breeding protocols. The Chair also aims at reducing ‘trawling pressure’ on wild fish stock by popularising species-specific breeding techniques among farmers.
The Chair will also organise a national workshop on ‘Recent Advancements in Breeding and Seed Production Techniques of Native Fish’ at KUFOS on February 8 and 9, to popularise artificial breeding and seed production techniques of the fish species.