Sri Vijaya Puram, May 15: On the occasion of Endangered Species Day 2026, the Fishery Survey of India (FSI), Sri Vijaya Puram, organized a one-day workshop on the theme “Conservation of Marine Endangered Species” at the FSI Conference Hall on 15th May 2026.
The program drew active participation from fishermen, particularly from Puducherry, students of Pondicherry University, and officials from the Department of Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of the conservation of endangered marine fauna and sustainable management practices in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The program began with a welcome and introductory address by Dr. C. Babu, Fisheries Scientist, Fishery Survey of India. He highlighted the significance of Endangered Species Day and emphasized FSI’s critical role in assessing and monitoring marine mammals and endangered marine species in the Indian EEZ.
Mr. B. Balanayak, Marine Mechanical Engineer, Officer-in-Charge, delivered the keynote address and stressed the need for collective efforts in marine conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources.
Dr. Govindasamy, Deputy Director, Department of Fisheries, Puducherry, attended the program as the Guest of Honor and highlighted the importance of protecting endangered marine species through awareness, policy support, and stakeholder participation.
Mr. Nesnas, Assistant Director, Department of Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, also graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. He appreciated FSI’s initiative and requested that the organization may conduct similar awareness program for the departmental officials separately.
Dr. M. Muruganandam, Head and Principal Scientist at ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, was the Chief Guest at the program. He presented a technical paper titled “Endangered Aquatic Species Conservation and Management,” elaborating on the conservation challenges, ecosystem restoration measures, and community participation required to protect aquatic biodiversity. He also highlighted various endangered species in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the major factors contributing to their endangerment, as well as the protection& conservation of endangered species, acts, guidelines, and initiatives in India and the world.
Dr. Mrinal Kumar Das, Scientist-D, Zoological Survey of India, Sri Vijaya Puram, delivered an informative technical presentation on “Endangered Marine Species of India,” highlighting various threatened marine mammals, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and other vulnerable marine fauna found in Indian waters.
An interactive session was also conducted during the workshop, during which fishermen actively participated and shared their field experiences, observations, and suggestions regarding endangered marine species and conservation measures in their fishing grounds.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Puran Singh, Junior Fisheries Scientist, Fishery Survey of India, Sri Vijaya Puram.
