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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
CIFT to do testing of fish samples
Kochi: The Kochi-headquartered Central Institute for Fisheries Technology (CIFT) will conduct preliminary testing of samples of edible and commercial fishes from the Kozhikode coast following concerns about the impact of pollution from the shipwreck MV Wan Hai 503. With many fisherfolk and retailers complaining about people not purchasing fish due to fear of toxicity, Matsyafed officials sought the support of CIFT to test the fish samples they collected. CIFT is the national referral agency for certifying food safety for fish and fish products for the food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI). "We have sought samples of fish from different areas and will initially conduct preliminary testing to address the immediate fears and concerns of the public. A detailed technical and biochemical evaluation will take some time because it needs to be tested for various chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and other toxic chemicals likely to be found in waters affected by oil spills and chemical discharge," said George Ninan, director of CIFT. He said that following a request from the fisheries minister, CIFT tested 30 samples of edible fishes from the coastal waters of Kochi, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram immediately after the first ship sank off Kochi waters on May 25. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Morocco (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo The report was submitted to Matsyafed last week. "We conducted some preliminary tests on the water samples and sensory assessment of the fish to check for quality and safety. Water testing included pH, turbidity, and fluorescence. All these parameters were safe. The biochemical testing is ongoing and will take some time," he added. He mentioned that they did not observe any change in pH values, which would have indicated the presence of calcium carbide. There were no fluorescence indicators in the waters to prove oil presence either. "But the long-term impact will need to be studied in detail," Ninan added. Meanwhile, the fisheries department has asked the authorities of the three major fish research institutions CMFRI, CIFT, and Kerala Fisheries University to investigate the long-term impact of these events on marine waters and life and also develop a protocol for the same. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
CMFRI, CIFT to study deep sea resource utilization in Indian EEZ
Kochi: Two leading Kochi-headquartered fisheries institutions, CMFRI and CIFT, are collaborating on a pilot study to investigate deep-sea resource utilization within India's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). National fisheries development board (NFDB) is funding the project under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Research involves fisherfolk and commercial trawlers to assess the viability of extensive exploitation of mesopelagic resources found at depths between 200-1000 metres. The study is particularly relevant due to these resources' substantial industrial applications in fishmeal, nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds."With global concerns over overfishing of commercially important species used for fishmeal production, this initiative focuses on exploring alternative and sustainable sources, reducing dependency on traditional fish stocks," said CMFRI director Grinson George. Operation Sindoor 'Decided to strike where it would hurt': Air Marshal on Op Sindoor Op Sindoor: IC-814 hijackers, Pulwama plotters among over 100 terrorists killed 'Pak Army lost 35 to 40 personnel': Takeaways from armed forces' briefing on Op Sindoor Researchers believe that utilizing mesopelagic species could reduce pressure on coastal and pelagic fisheries, promoting balanced marine resource management. The study encompasses assessment of harvestable potential, sustainable harvesting techniques, value-added applications and commercial exploitation feasibility whilst maintaining ecological balance."A rough estimate suggests that around two million tonnes of mesopelagic resources are available in Indian waters," George said. "Collaborative efforts with CIFT will ensure development of efficient harvesting technologies and post-harvest processing methods," he said, adding that the initiative marks a significant step in India's marine fisheries for a Viksit director George Ninan said these resources have industrial significance, noting their importance in various countries, including Oman. "Completion of this yearlong pilot study will yield crucial insights to determine the best viable methods to utilize these resources," he added. CMFRI principal scientist Sujitha Thomas is the principal investigator and CIFT's Ramesan MP is the lead investigator of the project. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
