Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 25: The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has supplied an additional five lakh hatchery-produced green mussel seeds to fisherfolk and tribal communities in Maharashtra, taking the total supply to 10 lakh seeds over the past six months.

The initiative aims to translate marine fisheries research into livelihood opportunities by promoting sustainable bivalve farming along the Maharashtra coast, CMFRI director Grinson George said.

The green mussel seeds, measuring between 2 and 4 millimetres, were produced at the bivalve hatchery of CMFRI’s regional centre at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, under a project implemented through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

In addition to the green mussel seeds, one lakh oyster seeds produced at CMFRI’s Madras regional station were also supplied to Maharashtra to support shellfish farming and strengthen livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

As part of the initiative, a scientific team from CMFRI, headed by principal scientist M K Anil, trained 30 government officials from Maharashtra’s Mangrove Cell in nursery rearing and farming techniques for mussels and oysters.

The training is intended to help officials develop expertise in shellfish cultivation and support the adoption of sustainable farming practices among coastal fishing communities.

The initiative seeks to promote alternative livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk and tribal communities while encouraging the sustainable use of marine resources along Maharashtra’s coastline.