Scientists of ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati participated in an interactive meeting with Director of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya at Directorate of Fisheries, Shillong on 4th July, 2024 to discuss the status of cave fisheries in the state.
Dr. S.K. Majhi, Head and Dr. Simanku Borah, Scientist from ICAR-CIFRI and Ms. A.L. Mawlong, MCS, Director of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya along with officials of Department of Fisheries, Meghalaya attended the interactive meeting. Ms. A.L. Mawlong, MCS, Director of Fisheries, Meghalaya stated that cave fisheries of the state is a potential area for scientific research and assured full co-operation from Department of Fisheries, Meghalaya to ICAR-CIFRI in carrying out research and exploratory activities. She stated that there are a number of caves in the state primarily located in East Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts and these resources has remained least explored till date. It is to be noted that researchers have explored fish diversity in two caves of the state, Krem Um Ladaw (East Khasi Hills) and Krem Chympe (East Jaintia Hills) and have reported a new fish species Neolissochilus pnar from these caves, which is the world’s largest cave fish recorded till date. Keeping in mind all the operational aspects, it was decided in the meeting that exploratory surveys to document the fish diversity and other ecological aspects of cave fisheries can be initiated once the monsoon recedes i.e. by September-October.
Read more: http://www.cifri.res.in/art772.html
