Kerala Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor on Monday, 8 June announced plans to establish a dedicated knowledge cluster that would bring together research institutions and agencies working in the fisheries sector to share expertise, findings, and technological innovations. The announcement was made at a World Ocean Day event hosted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi.

What the Proposed Knowledge Cluster Aims to Do

The proposed cluster is designed to enable coordinated action among research bodies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to address mounting challenges in the fisheries sector. According to Minister Gafoor, the initiative is a direct response to climate-driven pressures, shifting weather patterns, and the declining availability of fish species that were once widely caught off Kerala's coast.

'The fisheries sector is facing several challenges, including climate change and pressure on fishery resources. Many species that were once commonly available are now showing a decline,' Gafoor said at the event.

The Kerala Fisheries Department is expected to take the lead in coordinating efforts among stakeholders, with a focus on strengthening scientific support, policy interventions, and sustainable fisheries management.

CMFRI's Role and New Publications

CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George presided over the World Ocean Day programme. Minister Gafoor also released the latest CMFRI publications at the event, underlining the institute's continued role as a primary scientific resource for marine fisheries research in India.

₹200 Crore Munambam Harbour Upgrade on the Table

Separately, the minister reviewed a preliminary proposal for the development of Munambam Fisheries Harbour at a stakeholder consultation also held at CMFRI. The proposed ₹200 crore project aims to modernise the harbour with upgraded infrastructure to ensure fishery products meet international export standards.

The meeting decided that the harbour layout would be modelled on Kochi Harbour, incorporating 12-metre-wide roads and multi-level parking facilities for heavy vehicles. The plan also envisions a Green Smart Harbour framework, featuring environmentally sustainable infrastructure, advanced waste management systems, and energy-efficient facilities.

A signal station to improve navigational safety has also been proposed as part of the upgrade.

Funding and Next Steps

Participants at the stakeholder meeting decided to prepare a 3D model of the Munambam project within a month to facilitate funding support under central schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Sagarmala. A follow-up review meeting is scheduled within the same timeframe to advance the project. This comes amid a broader national push to upgrade fisheries infrastructure and boost seafood exports under centrally sponsored programmes.