Question : RESEARCH WORK IN MARINE SECTOR

(a) whether it is a fact that research work in the marine sector is very less in the country in comparison to other countries;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the major research and development works undertaken by various research institutes /organisations on the marine sector in the country;

(d) whether the functioning of these research institutes has been reviewed by the Government periodically during the last three years; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)

(a) & (b): No, Madam. The research in the marine sector being undertaken by the Fisheries Research Institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is at par with any other country. India ranks third in terms of the total marine fish production in the world. The research & development support and other need based technical, training, advisory, analytical and consultancy services by the fisheries research institutes in the marine sector has been instrumental for the sustenance of the sector during the last six decades.

(c) The major research activities undertaken by the Fisheries Research Institutes in the marine sector are:-

# Assessment of marine fisheries resources/fish stocks

# Management of fishery resources through suitable technological interventions

# Oceanographic research in relation to marine fisheries

# Development of mariculture and open sea cage farming technologies

# Development of sustainable aquaculture technologies with species and system diversification in brackishwaters

# Cataloguing, Classification, Conservation and Management of fish genetic resources

# Species enhancement through genetics and biotechnology

# Development of eco-friendly, fuel efficient and resources specific fishing techniques

# Development of post-harvest; value addition; food safety, quality control & hygiene regulations and packaging technologies

# Human resource development, capacity building & skill up-gradation

(d) & (e): Fisheries Research Institutes under the ICAR are being regularly monitored with due accountability of output and outcome vis-à-vis the assigned objectives, identified quantifiable deliverables and outlays through various departmental committees such as Research Advisory Committees (RACs), Institute Research Councils (IRCs) and Quinquennial Review Teams (QRTs).