Enthusiastic students throng CMFRI facility to know about marine creatures

Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) observed its 79 th Foundation Day with an Open House that captivated the imagination of over 1,100 visitors. The audience predominantly comprised enthusiastic school children, budding researchers, and marine life enthusiasts. The day-long celebration, held at the R K Beach facility transformed into a hub of marine education and discovery. Approximately 1,000 school children from 15 schools and colleges across Visakhapatnam, along with 100 master and PhD students from various colleges and members of the general public, thronged the premises to experience the fascinating world beneath the waves.

Young minds were particularly mesmerised by the live display of marine creatures, including translucent jellyfish gracefully floating in specially designed tanks, various species of crabs, shrimps, colorful seaweeds, and diverse fish species. The interactive exhibits allowed visitors to witness marine biodiversity up close, creating memorable learning experiences that textbooks alone cannot provide.

The event featured multiple attractions including museum tours showcasing marine life history, SCUBA and surfing equipment, kayak, photo opportunities with shark, dolphin, lobster and octopus models, and exclusive interactions with twelve marine researchers who

shared insights into their groundbreaking work.

Visitors also explored state-of-the-art laboratories, peered through microscopes to observe microscopic marine organisms, and learned about sustainable fishing practices, marine biodiversity conservation, and innovations in aquaculture technology.