Scientists should focus on real science and its underlying truth while dealing with fisheries research. This was stated by A Gopalakrishnan, director, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), at the valedictory session of the 21-day winter school, organised by the institute.
“With the advent of modern technologies, studies related to fisheries biology and classical taxonomy have been less prioritised these days,” he said, adding, “It is sad that many researchers today often get attracted to modern techniques and catchy jargon rather than delving into the real science behind many of our issues.”
The winter school was aimed at training young researchers on the recent advances in fishery biology, marine certification, biodiversity evaluation and ecological analysis.
Gopalakrishnan stated that CMFRI was keen on expanding research collaborations in relevant areas with universities and other institutes. “Collaborative research will generate better data sets from every nook and corner of the country. Even small research or academic institutes with minimal infrastructure can do wonders through collaborative programmes,” he added.
Renowned scientists and experts in the area presented lectures on various sessions during the programme. The practical sessions were conducted in different laboratories of the institute, and hands-on training in latest software was also provided to the participants as part of the winter school, in which researchers from Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala participated.
Others who spoke on the occasion were course director Rekha J Nair, V Mahesh and Ambarish Gopi.
