Fisheries And Aquaculture Research Institutes in India.
Fisheries and aquaculture is an integral part of Indian economic development. India is one of the largest producer of wild and farmed fishes. The trend of fisheries exports from India has been on the rise since the past decade with future focus on aquaculture. Research and development plays a major role in economical success, and sustainable development of nations. Fisheries & aquaculture research and development have been overseen by numerous centrally and state-funded research institutes, which are tasked with developing new products, providing training, and ensuring the sustainable management of our marine and freshwater resources. Research institutes also provide job opportunities to fisheries and aquaculture graduates as permanent scientist posts to temporary young professional, project assistant, field assistant roles with varying pay scale. Those seeking employment in these institutes should be aware that most temporary positions are tied to specific projects and their funding, and do not guarantee permanent job opportunities within the respective institutes. This is an excellent opportunity for personal growth in the field of fisheries and aquaculture. Various institutes are renowned for offering short-term training programs and assistance with dissertation work. Final-year students are strongly encouraged to conduct their research at these institutes to gain a deeper understanding of their work and enhance their research exposure. Below, I have compiled a list of fisheries and research institutes from CSIR, ICAR, and DST, along with their locations and links for easy access.
1. Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT)
Located in Kochi, CIFT is the pioneering research institute in India focused on improving fishing technology, post-harvest processing, and quality control in the fisheries sector. CIFT also offers training on quality control and processing aspects on monthly basis for nominal fees. CIFT also has research centers in Veraval, Visakhapatnam, and Mumbai. For short term trainings do go through their CIFT training calendar for 2024 made available in website.
2. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
Based in Kochi, The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is a premier research institute in India dedicated to the study and sustainable management of marine fisheries and resources. Established in 1947, CMFRI operates several regional stations across the country that focus on various aspects of marine research, including fish breeding, aquaculture, and ecosystem conservation. The institute plays a crucial role in providing scientific support for policy-making and enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities through its research and training programs.
https://cmfri.org.in/
For final year projects contact your nearest CMFRI center.
Regional Stations of CMFRI
- Veraval Regional Station — Gujarat
Veraval Regional Station - Calicut Regional Station — Kerala
Calicut Regional Station - Mumbai Regional Station — Maharashtra
Mumbai Regional Station - Karwar Regional Station — Karnataka
Karwar Regional Station - Tuticorin Regional Station — Tamil Nadu
Tuticorin Regional Station - Madras Regional Station — Tamil Nadu
Madras Regional Station - Mandapam Regional Centre — Tamil Nadu
Mandapam Regional Centre - Visakhapatnam Regional Centre — Andhra Pradesh
Visakhapatnam Regional Centre - Mangalore Regional Centre — Karnataka
Mangalore Regional Centre - Vizhinjam Regional Centre — Kerala
Vizhinjam Regional Centre
3. Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI)
CIFRI, located in Barrackpore, West Bengal, focuses on inland fisheries, particularly rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands. The Central Inland Capture Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) Established in 1947 and operates under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The institute’s mission is to enhance fish production, conserve aquatic biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on inland fisheries. CIFRI conducts extensive research across various divisions, including riverine ecology, reservoir management, and aquatic environmental biotechnology. It also provides training programs and consultancy services aimed at improving inland fisheries practices.
http://www.cifri.res.in/aboutcifri.html
Regional Centers of CIFRI
- Allahabad Regional Center
Allahabad Regional Center - Guwahati Regional Center
Guwahati Regional Center - Bangalore Regional Center
Bangalore Regional Center - Vadodara Regional Center
Vadodara Regional Center
4. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR)
Situated in Lucknow, NBFGR is engaged in conserving and cataloging India’s diverse fish genetic resources, safeguarding aquatic biodiversity through modern genetic techniques.
https://www.nbfgr.res.in/
visit website for jobs and trainings.
Regional Centers of NBFGR
- PAGR Kochi
5. Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR)
DCFR, based in Bhimtal, focuses on the development and management of fisheries in the coldwater regions of the Himalayas, with an emphasis on trout and other high-altitude species.
https://www.dcfr.res.in/
6. Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA)
Located in Chennai, CIBA specializes in research on sustainable brackishwater aquaculture, contributing to shrimp, crab, and fish farming in estuarine and coastal areas.
Offers trainings, job opportunities and dissertation work.
Refer training calendar.
https://ciba.icar.gov.in/
The Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) has several regional centers, including: Kakdwip Regional Centre (KRC) and Navsari Gujarat Research Centre (NGRC)
7. ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA)
CIFA, based in Bhubaneswar, focuses on the development of freshwater aquaculture techniques, including breeding, genetics, and disease management of farmed species.
Apart from job opportunities they also offer trainings and dissertation work.
Headquarters:
- Location: Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Website: https://cifa.nic.in/
Regional Centers:
- Regional Research Centre, Bengaluru:
- Location: Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Website: https://cifa.nic.in/node/54
Regional Research Centre, Bhatinda:
- Location: Bhatinda, Punjab, India
Regional Research Centre, Rahara:
- Location: Rahara, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Website: https://cifa.nic.in/node/52
Regional Research Centre, Vijayawada:
- Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
8. Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE)
CIFE, located in Mumbai, offers advanced education and training center in fisheries science(deemed to be university). Conducts trainings on monthly basis.
Headquarters:
- Location: Versova, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
CIFE offers various academic programs, including:
- Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.)
- Master of Fisheries Science (M.F.Sc.)
- Ph.D. in Fisheries Science
9. Fishery Survey of India (FSI)
With its headquarters in Mumbai, FSI conducts fisheries resource surveys in India’s exclusive economic zone, providing data essential for sustainable marine fisheries management. The FSI operates a fleet of survey vessels and has zonal bases located in various coastal cities across India. Its research and findings are crucial for sustainable fisheries management and development in the country.
https://fsi.gov.in/LATEST-WB-SITE/fsi-main-pg-frm.htm
10. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
NFDB, based in Hyderabad, promotes fisheries development programs across India, focusing on aquaculture, infrastructure development, and technological innovation in the sector. Schemes like PMMSY for entrepreneurs are provided through NFDB. NFDB also provided internship opportunities for fisheries graduates visit there website for more information.
https://nfdb.gov.in/welcome/internship
NFDB Eastern Regional Centre (ERC), Bhubaneswar
NFDB North East Regional Centre (NERC), Guwahati
Location: NIRD-PR-NERC Campus, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam
11. National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
Headquartered in Goa, NIO conducts oceanographic research, including marine biodiversity and fisheries ecology, contributing to the sustainable management of oceanic resources. Provides training, dissertation opportunities in field of marine biology and oceanography.
12. ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET)
CIFNET, based in Kochi, provides training in fisheries science, navigation, and marine engineering, essential for modern fisheries management and sustainability.
13.The Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE)
A research institute in Kochi, Kerala under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. It was established in 1998 with a mandate to study the marine living resources. Provides trainings and offer job opportunities as scientists in marine biology.
14.NIFPHATT, National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training
Located in kochi , The National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT) is dedicated to improving post-harvest fish utilization and minimizing losses in fish processing. It focuses on developing innovative processes, products, and packaging to meet changing consumer demands. They provide on job training for fisheries graduates pursuing quality control roles.
15.ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI)
The ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI) is a research institute located in Goa that focuses on agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries relevant to the coastal regions of India.
16.Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI)
The Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), formerly known as the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), is an integral part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Established on June 23, 1978, CIARI focuses on agricultural research and development tailored to the unique needs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Location: Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
17.Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is a premier research organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of India. Established on July 1, 1916, ZSI aims to enhance knowledge about the country’s rich faunal diversity through extensive surveys, exploration, and research.
- Headquarters: Kolkata, India
- Regional Centers: ZSI has 16 regional centers across the country, focusing on various ecological zones and biodiversity hotspots.
18.Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
MPEDA is responsible for promoting the export of marine products from India. It aims to enhance the quality and sustainability of seafood exports while ensuring the welfare of fishermen.
19.Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA)
As the R&D arm of MPEDA, RGCA focuses on sustainable aquaculture practices.
- Conducts research on various species beyond shrimp, including seabass, cobia, tilapia, and mud crab.
- Projects: RGCA has initiated several projects like pilot-scale hatcheries and diversification of aquaculture species to reduce dependence on shrimp farming, thereby expanding India’s export-oriented aquaculture base.
20.National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health (NCAAH)
The National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health (NCAAH) is a prominent research institution located in Kochi, India. Established on January 18, 2000, it is dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of aquatic animals, primarily focusing on the needs of aqua farmers.
Apart from these there are 100’s of state run fisheries colleges like KUFOS, GADVASU that offers courses and shorterm trainings for farmers and students.
