Empowering Communities through Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Education

Centurion University’s School of Fisheries is dedicated to educating and collaborating with local and national communities to promote the responsible management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism through diverse programs and events..

For instance, during the Gajajyoti festival on March 3, 2020, the School of Fisheries organized a Kisan Mela event. It invited local farmers to learn about modern fish farming techniques, emphasizing the importance of enhancing fish productivity. The event showcased models of cage culture, carp polyculture, fish specimens, fishing boats, aquariums, and fishery by-products. Approximately 500 farmers visited the stalls and gained valuable insights into sustainable methods such as aquaponics, biofloc technology, and cage farming, enabling them to adopt profitable and eco-friendly practices. This event significantly contributed to educating and motivating local farmers about sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

In September 2021, the School of Fisheries collaborated with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) to conduct a two-day farmer training program. About 75 farmers participated in this program, which covered topics related to aquaculture and fish processing. The training offered hands-on experience in various aspects of fish farming, including ornamental fish culture, carp farming, aquarium construction, pre-stocking and post-stocking management, and fish processing. This initiative provided farmers with valuable insights into livelihood opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, promoting sustainable practices within the local community.

Moreover, the School of Fisheries hosts webinars on various subjects related to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. In June 2021, they organized a national webinar titled “Exploring the Future of Fisheries and Aquaculture.” This webinar featured renowned experts in the field and drew participants from various backgrounds, including students, farmers, stakeholders, faculty, and scientists from across India and other countries. More than 250 students, stakeholders and faculties from different universities joined the webinar. The webinar provided insights into the current state and emerging trends in fisheries and aquaculture, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and practices.

Further, School of Fisheries has organised a one day Webinar on “Impact of Emerging Pollutants on Aquatic Organisms and Seafood Safety ” on the occasion of World Water Day, 22nd, March, 2022. The lead speaker for the webinar was Dr. R. Srinu, Assistant Professor, College of Fisheries Science, P.V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Pebbair, Hyderabad, Telangana. where the lead speaker explained the impact of fish pollutants on the aquatic environment focusing on pollutant’s point and non-point sources, biomagnification in food-chain; seafood associated poisonings and seafood safety measures. Around 150 students and stakeholders joined the webinar.

On the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5th, 2022), the School has organized a webinar on “Sustainable and Holistic Approaches towards Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems”. The lead speaker was Dr. J.G.K. Pathan, Assistant Professor, College of Fishery Science, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur. The lead points of discussion were on the degradation of aquatic ecosystems where experts shared their experience and opinions on designing restoration plans, Modern restoration strategies, Green Bridge Technologies, Monitoring after restoration and the challenges for aquatic ecosystem restoration. Around 200 students, scientific personalities and stakeholders joined the webinar.