Kochi: Marine scientists, climate and remote sensing experts, policymakers and technologists from 30 countries will assemble at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) for three days from Wednesday (November 4) to discuss changing oceans and sustainable fisheries.
The international TREVOR-SAFARI (Societal Applications in Fisheries and Aquaculture using Remote Sensing Imagery) symposium will focus on how satellite technologies and climate research can help address emerging environmental challenges to protect ocean ecosystems and fisheries. It will explore issues ranging from changing ocean conditions and climate-related threats to fishery sustainability, water quality, marine biodiversity and the role of modern technology in understanding aquatic environments.
A major focus will be on the use of satellite-based observations and underwater monitoring technologies to study ocean conditions and fisheries. Scientific deliberations on tracking changes in sea surface temperature, ocean productivity, fish distribution and potential fishing zones will be held.
With climate change and shift in monsoon patterns and extreme weather events increasingly posing threat to coastal regions, the symposium will examine ways to strengthen the resilience of fisheries and fishing communities. Discussions will cover how environmental changes affect aquatic life, fish resources and people who depend on the sea.
In addition, the meet will discuss the significance of blending traditional fishing knowledge with modern ocean science. The role of women and marginalized communities in the secter will also receive attention at the technical sessions. A special session sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) will focus on remote sensing for the health of aquatic ecosystems and fisheries with the One Health approach.
“The discussions of the symposium primarily focus on better understanding of ocean conditions and improved environmental monitoring to ensure safer fishing, sustainable resources, seafood security and the long-term well-being of coastal livelihoods”, said CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George.
Over 80 foreign delegates will take part in the symposium, which is jointly organised by the Department of Chemical Oceanography of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Trevor Platt Science Foundation, CMFRI and Marine Biological Association of India.
As part of the event, a pre-symposium workshop on the NF-POGO Alumni Network for the Ocean (NANO) Projects from November 1 to 3 got underway, bringing together 31 researchers from 24 countries. It reviewed ongoing project activities and explored collaboration among researchers and partner initiatives. Several pre-symposium trainings were held focusing on capacity building of young researchers across the country.
The SAFARI symposium will feature a regional workshop of the Geo Blue Planet Working Group on Fisheries and the launch of the Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR) on November 3.