Unveiling Marine Secrets: Exploring Cephalopod Rich Seamounts

The ICAR-CMFRI launched a research project to study fishery resources around seamounts in the Arabian Sea, focusing on cephalopods. Funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, it aims to document cephalopod diversity and develop AI tools for species identification. Initial surveys promise insights into marine ecology and conservation.

The ICAR-CMFRI has initiated an ambitious research project aimed at exploring the untapped fishery resources associated with seamounts in the Arabian Sea. Special attention is being given to cephalopods, such as squids, cuttlefish, and octopus.

This two-year initiative, backed by Rs five crore from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, intends to chart the diversity, distribution, ecology, and biology of cephalopods, with an emphasis on AI-based species identification tools.

Under the aegis of the Central Government's Deep Ocean Mission, initial surveys led by Dr. Divya Viswambharan aboard FV Silver Pompano are underway. The project promises vital insights into the conservation strategies of deep-sea biodiversity at the esteemed CMFRI facilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)