CMFRI’s Research on Coral Reefs Garners National Recognition

KOCHI:
The research on coral reefs being carried out by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has garnered national recognition, with Alvin Anto, a Young Professional at the institute securing the prestigious Hasmukh Shah Memorial Award for Ecological Studies for the year 2023, in the research category.

The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh and a certificate of recognition. Anto has been recognised for his extensive research on the resilience of the coral reefs in the Lakshadweep Islands, highlighting the increasing threats these critical ecosystems face from climate change and other human-induced factors.

The Hasmukh Shah Memorial Award, instituted by the Gujarat Ecology Society (GES) and funded by the Kachnar Trust, aims to honour and reward individuals who have made significant contributions through research, development, or implementation of innovative environmental, technical, or social solutions that address and mitigate pressing sustainability or societal issues.

This award is particularly significant as it will help promote the resilience based management approaches which are vital for coral reefs. These approaches aim to develop strategies for the preservation, protection, and restoration of these fragile marine habitats.

Passionate Ocean enthusiast
A passionate ocean enthusiast and a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified Dive Master, Mr Anto has led several underwater surveys concentrating on the coral reefs and associated marine life along the Indian coast and its islands. His work has been instrumental in providing valuable insights and data that are critical for ongoing conservation efforts. He is also part of CMFRI’s team conducting coastal surveys on marine mammals.

The award will be conferred during the Hasmukh Shah Memorial Lecture, scheduled for the 5th January 2024, at the Federation of Gujarat Industries (FGI) in Vadodara.