The ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has initiated a deep-sea research project to study fishery resources around seamounts in the Arabian Sea. The project, funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, focuses on documenting cephalopod diversity and developing AI-based tools for species identification.
India’s marine ecosystem holds vast untapped potential, and seamounts—underwater mountains—are known to harbor rich biodiversity. CMFRI’s expedition aims to strengthen scientific understanding of deep-sea fisheries, particularly squids, cuttlefish, and octopus, while supporting sustainable resource management.
Research Objectives
The project will conduct surveys to assess fishery resources linked to seamounts, with special attention to cephalopods. Advanced AI-driven identification systems will be developed to automate species recognition, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in marine biodiversity studies.
Strategic Importance
Exploring seamount ecosystems is crucial for India’s long-term fisheries sustainability. The findings are expected to guide policy decisions, support conservation, and open new opportunities for the fishing industry. This initiative also aligns with global efforts to balance marine resource utilization with ecological preservation.
Key Highlights
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CMFRI launches deep-sea expedition in Arabian Sea
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Focus on cephalopods: squids, cuttlefish, octopus
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AI-based tools to automate species identification
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Funded by Ministry of Earth Sciences
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Supports sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation
Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Devdiscourse, CMFRI official updates