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Plan for Minimizing Alteration of Aquatic Ecosystems Through Pond Management
On November 2, 2023, as part of the Blue Fiesta celebration, 26 students from Centurion University’s School of Fisheries, Paralakhemundi Campus, actively participated in the upkeep of community ponds near the campus, named as the WAPCOS pond. They focused on removing weeds and monitoring water quality to support a healthy, visually appealing aquatic environment while minimizing physical, chemical, and biological disturbances.
These community ponds serve diverse functions, including watershed management and the cultivation of hardy fish species. During Blue Fiesta, students took part in swimming competitions, pond clearing, and water quality assessments as part of their National Service Scheme (NSS) activities. Students regularly help maintain community ponds and water bodies within the Aquaculture Research Farm every few months. They also engaged with local farmers and stakeholders, promoting sound aquaculture management practices. This initiative supports pre-stocking fish culture management, offering essential guidance for effective nursery practices while advancing sustainable aquatic resource use and preserving ecosystem health.
Education, Research and Action: Aquatic Ecosystem Preservation
Centurion University offers specialized courses in water and soil quality management, aquatic pollution, and intensive aquaculture, aimed at educating students on maintaining the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. The establishment of the Center for Aquaculture and Fish Processing Technology further enhances research and initiatives related to aquatic ecosystem conservation. This includes work in ornamental aquaculture, biofloc aquaculture, and the development of species-specific feeds and health products to improve fish welfare. These efforts are aligned with the University’s goal to minimize physical, chemical, and biological disruptions to aquatic ecosystems.
The students actively participate in the upkeep of community ponds and water bodies at the Aquaculture Research Farm on a regular basis. They also collaborate with local farmers and stakeholders to promote best practices in aquaculture management. This initiative plays a key role in the pre-stocking management of fish culture, offering valuable guidelines for effective fish nursery management while encouraging the sustainable use of aquatic resources and safeguarding ecosystem health.