GUWAHATI, Dec 5 � Around a hundred scientists working in the fisheries sector will gather in Guwahati for a brainstorming session to improve networking among all stakeholders so that sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture becomes a reality in North East India.
The event to take place tomorrow will discuss a draft resolution that recognizes fisheries and aquaculture as an essential sector of development in the North East.
One of the key resolutions is about the states of the region having a wealth of aquatic biodiversity that needs to be conserved and a quantum of water resources that should be utilized in a manner which is sustainable.
It has also been stated that the NE states were making concerted efforts to contribute to the regional nutritional security through increased availability of fish protein and to contribute to the enhanced incomes of economic returns to small-holder farmers.
In this context it was pointed out that an inter-state mechanism for co-operation should be developed and a network to achieve that should be established. This would help in seeking solutions to common challenges faced by fish farmers of the region.
According to a source in the State Fisheries Department, one of the objectives of the network formation would be to complement and strengthen existing capacity to enable professionals to address common issues and problems unique to NE fisheries and aquaculture.
The network also intends on sharing of resources to effectively implement research and development with due regard to specific needs and priorities. Moreover, the planned network would provide advocacy for enhanced and sustainable development of fisheries sector in the eight NE states.
Sources in the Fisheries Department revealed that the new initiative has been conceived to promote and facilitate exchange of national experts, technical know how and information needed for multi disciplinary research and to develop new technologies suitable for the region.
