National Consultation on

“Live Gene Banking of Freshwater Fishes of the Western Ghats"

21 May 2011, Saturday Organized by: NBFGR Cochin Unit & RARS, KAU, Kumarakom

   

Convenor - Dr. J.K. Jena

Director, NBFGR, Lucknow, U.P.

Co-convenor - Dr. K.G. Padmakumar Assoc. Director, RARS, Kumarakom, Kerala.

Organizing Secretary

- Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan PS & SIC, NBFGR Cochin Unit, Kochi, Kerala.

Organizing Team (NBFGR Cochin Unit)

Dr. V. S. Basheer

Dr. T. Raja Swaminathan

Dr. P. R. Divya Shri. A. Kathirvelpandian

May 2011

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Conservation of freshwater fishes of the Western Ghats: An approach to establish Live Gene Banks in a collaborative mode

Gopalakrishnan A., V. S. Basheer, K. G. Padmakumar* & J. K. Jena#

*NBFGR Cochin Unit, CMFRI Campus, Kochi 682 018, Kerala #National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow 226 002, U.P.

*Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Kumarakom, Kottayam – 686 566, Kerala

Biodiversity is the sum and interaction of the variation that exists among populations, species, communities and ecosystems. It is commonly recognized as phenotypic variations and the most commonly addressed erosion of biological diversity is the loss of species. Fish genetic resources comprise all finfish and aquatic invertebrate genetic material which have actual or potential value for capture fisheries and aquaculture. Recent past has witnessed enormous pressure on the natural aquatic habitats, both in inland and marine, thereby affecting aquatic biodiversity at large. Over-exploitation of the resources coupled with habitat alteration and other anthropogenic means have led not only in reduction of fish yield in most of the natural inland waters over the years, but also pushed several endemic species to become threatened/endangered. Conservation of natural resources inhabiting aquatic ecosystems is important from the fact that majority of the genetic resources for food still come form the wild due to low domestication level in fisheries sector. This is in contrast to the animal farming and agriculture where domestic varieties only contribute to food security. Aquaculture is expanding rapidly and now accounts for about 50 percent of the aquatic foods that are directly consumed by humans (Bartley et al., 2007). Although genetic resources and technologies are playing a part in this expansion, they have not yet been used to the extents comparable to their use in agriculture. These differences are due not only to the relatively recent domestication of most farmed aquatic species, but also to the large numbers of fished and farmed aquatic species and to the diversities of their aquatic environments (from the deep sea to small mountain streams) and of the production systems in which they are captured or farmed (Bartley et al., 2007). Today it is a known fact that the environmental degradation has caused damage to biodiversity including plants and animals. The damage to biodiversity can range from loss of genetic diversity; populations and even consequences leading to extinction of species are not unknown. The environmental threats could be man made and natural or in combination with cascading and interlinked impacts. Such threats are wide ranging including overexploitation of resource, habitat alterations, reduction of natural habitat area, construction of dams, diversion or reclamation of river beds for urbanization, that reduce water discharge in rivers, introduction of non-native species, etc. The impact of these stresses leads to a decline in effective population size over a period of time, depending upon original population size and magnitude of the threat. Conservation of aquatic resources needs holistic approaches to the development of aquaculture and responsible capture fisheries that include integration of information on the biology, status of the target species as well as habitat. Conservation of India's vast and diverse fish genetic resources is essential to

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maintain ecological as well as socio-economic equilibrium. This will provide a sustainable harvest of these resources either from the wild or via artificial propagation. Indian fish genetic resources, consisting of over 11 per cent of the world's 20,000 known species of fish, are among of the richest in the world. Fisheries and aquaculture have a promising role to play in social development by providing nutritional security for the Indian population and contributing to the economic advancement of farmers and fishery workers. The fishery sector also contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings of India to the tune of over US$ 2.0 billion. In addition, aquatic germplasm resources are turning out to be an important source of various products with pharmaceutical and commercial value. Though Indian Fisheries Act of 1879 (modified in 1956) is a landmark with regard to fisheries, but has had no significant impact on the conservation of fish diversity. To conserve and optimize utilization of its bioresources, India enacted the Biological Diversity Act (BDA) 2002. This encompasses guidelines to address a wide range of issues related to the utilization of bioresources and information within the country as well as by other countries. The objective is to put appropriate procedures in place so that bioresources are optimally utilized while maintaining sovereignty over them. What to conserve? Genetic resources can be viewed as genetic differences at three hierarchical levels of organization: 1) species, 2) populations and 3) individuals. At the highest level, species consist of populations that are reproductively isolated from populations of other species. Genetic isolation occurs because of geographic (allopatric) or behavioural isolation and, together with local adaptation, leads to the appearance of novel genetic traits (Otte and Endler, 1989). Hence, each species harbours a unique set of genetic material. Biologists agree that the process of speciation usually occurs on timescales of several hundreds of thousands of years. However, once species are lost, several million years are required for species diversity to recover (Briggs, 1995). Hence, conservation may aim at a specific species. A species becomes prominent in conservation planning for a number of reasons: i) when it is declining due to anthropogenic stress in natural waters, ii) when it is crucial for the general well-being of it’s ecosystem, or when it is endangered and chosen for recovery by special management measures. To conserve a declining species, we should have sound knowledge about its biology, biogeography and genetic diversity. Without proper knowledge, inter-populational genetic diversity cannot be conserved. At the population level of organization, the identification of discrete stocks has been a major theme in fisheries research. The definition of a stock can vary, as the motivations of fishery managers may be influenced by political, economical or biological mandates (Carvalho and Hauser, 1994). As a result, management boundaries are sometimes set at national borders because of issues of jurisdiction, even though a biological perspective may be of far greater importance in promoting the viability of a stock. Finally, the largest store of genetic variability in most species exists as genetic differences among individuals within a population. This variability arises from the physical assortment of genes among offspring during reproduction. Of great importance for the conservation of this genetic variability is the theoretical

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concept of effective population size, which is usually much smaller than census size. Both theory and empirical results show that the loss of genetic variability is greater in small populations than in large populations. Hence, the goal of preserving genetic variability in a population coincides with the goal of maintaining large ecologically sound natural populations. Conservation involves both the in vivo maintenance and management of genetic diversity within the populations of a species as well as the in vitro storage of genetic material that can be introduced at a later time to increase or introduce diversity into the live populations. In agriculture, the problem of conserving genetic diversity has been largely framed as the preservation of domesticated plant cultivars and animal breeds, which have adapted to local environments over thousands of years of selective breeding. Technical advances have led to a greater availability of cheaper grains, and this has produced a shift from traditional methods of farming to more productive, more predictable and more capital-intensive methods of farming. As a result, farmers have abandoned many indigenous breeds, and this shift has led to the loss of genetic diversity. Much less attention has been directed towards the conservation of genetic resources in natural, free ranging capture species. The development of domesticated breeding lines for aquatic organisms is still in its infancy and depends on the availability of wild strains to a much greater degree than does the present-day development of breeds of plants and animals for agriculture. Why conserve genetic diversity? Several arguments have been developed to support the notion that the conservation of genetic resources is important in various settings and the justifications for conserving genetic diversity are:

to ensure the future adaptability of natural populations; to preserve life-history, behavioural and morphological traits that ensure

sustainable fisheries; to promote the use of genetic resources in commerce and medicine; and to conserve genetic diversity for cultural reasons.

Where to conserve? Conservation can be done in situ in a safe refuge or ex situ in the laboratory. In situ conservation means conserving the whole ecosystem or the total community in its natural location without any specific attention on any particular species. However, when a species is of special concern, in situ conservation could prove inadequate. Habitat degradation could affect the reproduction of a species when ex situ conservation becomes an option. Gene banks can hold live animals or cryopreserved gametes and they can be considered as a last line of defence against species extinction. A living or live gene bank (LGB) or fish refugia are ex-situ facilities where endangered/endemic species are maintained in near natural conditions. Such gene banks can contribute to recovery and utilization of genetic diversity and can be used in conservation programmes and genetic enhancement. According to Article 9 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ex situ genetic conservation supports rather than replaces in situ conservation, and is an example of using the precautionary approach to conservation. Developments in biotechnology have made

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it possible for cryopreservation of fish spermatozoa in sperm bank and work on embryo cells and pluripotent embryonic stem cell (ESC) preservation is also being attempted. The germplasm can also be stored in the laboratory in the form of DNA Bank as i) total genomic DNA, ii) in the form of DNA library i.e., genomic DNA or cDNA library or iii) as cloned DNA fragments. This would also require proper documentation, labelling and proper preservation and technical expertise to handle the same. Since the stored DNA may be useful for the recovery of some genes and not the genome as a whole, it may be helpful for research use, and cannot replace the natural genetic diversity. How to conserve? One common measure of genetic diversity is the effective population size, which is usually smaller than the absolute population size. The effective population size (Ne) is the number of breeding individuals in an idealized population that would show the same amount of disperse on of allele frequencies under random genetic drift or the same amount of inbreeding as the population under consideration. Sex ratio has such an influence on Ne that a population composed by 4 males and 4 females has an Ne = 8 which is the same as the Ne presented by a population composed by 2 males and 100 females. An Ne of 50 or larger has been recommended for rare breed conservation in animals (FAO, 1998). At this level, rate of inbreeding is 1% per generation. In animal breeding programmes, effective population size is generally enhanced by not using a portion of males in the collection in the reconstitution process. These males will then be unrelated to the reconstituted population/animals where their samples can be used with the intention of increasing the effective population size. The high cost of maintenance and high fecundity in fishes are the discouraging factors to maintain adequate broodstock in fisheries sector, which may prove genetically deleterious.

There are two aspects of conservation - one, managing declining population and the second, managing endangered species. Most important aspect to be considered in both the cases is that if there are differences in gene frequencies among populations (as observed in many freshwater species among catchments), the populations should be stocked separately in a live gene bank to maintain the genetic diversity. In such cases, the genetic structure of the original wild population should be assured in restocking programmes, before any new fish are released into the waters. For managing the declining population, some corrective measures based on the following genetic principles may be an answer. i) the effective population size should be maintained as large as possible to maximize the contribution of a large number of adults for reproduction, ii) the causative factors that reduce the effective population size should be controlled. If there is a genetic bottleneck, the duration should be reduced as far as practicable, and iii) the barriers that create discontinuity in an inbreeding population should be disrupted to maintain continuity of gene flow. For this it will be necessary to protect the species and habitat in situ from anthropogenic stress, by actions such as, imposing ban on fishing during breeding season, gear and mesh size regulation, and regulated well monitored fishing for maintaining the population size. In rivers, stretches may be declared as sanctuaries. To make this work, stakeholder and public participation will be essential. If the

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population density is critically reduced, supportive breeding for conservation management maybe necessary. But this would need a cautious approach as only a small fraction of the population is allowed to produce progeny for the next generation. In the second, namely managing the endangered species, the population size being small, inbreeding and genetic drift are common genetic problems. LGBs and captive breeding are useful approaches for the conservation of endangered and critically endangered species, facilitating rapid growth of the population to enhance genetic variability. Established live gene bank programmes have been in vogue in other countries such as Hungary (Research Institute of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation, Szarvas, holding as many as 14 Hungarian and 12 European and African strains of the common carp and where outstanding hybrids of C. carpio were developed), Finland, Norway and Canada (mainly for stocks of Atlantic and Pacific salmon) (Harvey et al., 1998). Live gene banks have been established critically endangered species such as sturgeons in Russia, native freshwater fishes in Brazil and desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) and Devils Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis) in Colorado Basin, USA (see reviews by Harvey et al., 1998, Baugh & Deacon, 1988). Milt cryopreservation would also be helpful for increasing the effective population size and recovery of a severely endangered population. Okutsu et al. (2006a,b) developed the first germ cell transplantation in lower vertebrates using fish PGCs and spermatogonia. In fish germ cell transplantation system, donor cells are microinjected into the peritoneal cavities of newly hatched embryos allowing the donor germ cells into migrate towards, and subsequently colonize, the recipient genital ridges. The recipient embryos have the immature immune systems so the donor germ cells can survive and even differentiate into mature gamete their allogenic gonads, ultimately leading to the production of normal offspring. The results of the transplantation studies in fish are improving our understanding the development of germ cell systems during vertebrate evolution”. This indicates new vistas open for multidisciplinary approaches in the filed of germ cells transplantation techniques. Role of NBFGR in conservation of fish genetic resources of the Western Ghats: The Western Ghats in India - one of the 34 globally recognized biodiversity “hotspots” is known for their high levels of endemism as well as rich and highly varied species diversity, including the freshwater fishes (Ponniah and Gopalakrishnan, 2000). The threats to these native fish species in their own natural habitats are extensive and well known. A concerted effort made by National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) has provided description of genetic variation and population structure for seven prioritized fish species from their major range of natural distribution in the region. These species include Labeo dussumieri, Puntius denisonii, P. chalakkudiensis, Horabagrus brachysoma, H. nigricollaris, Gonoproktopterus curmuca and Etroplus suratensis. Distinct population structure was observed in many of these species indicating that propagation assisted restoration programmes must be stock-specific to replenish declining populations (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2009; Abdul Muneer et al., 2009). Considering the increased popularity of ornamental fish

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at household level and to curb indiscriminate exploitation from wild, captive seed production and rearing technology of 15 indigenous species having export potential such as Pristolepis marginata, Horabagrus nigricollaris, Chela fasciata, Danio malabaricus, Puntius filamentosus, P. fasciatus and Mesonemachilus triangularis have been standardized by the College of Fisheries, Kochi in a joint programme with NBFGR. A handbook on the ornamental fishes of the Western Ghats with descriptions, colour images and other relevant information of nearly 150 native ornamental fishes has also been prepared (Anna Mercy et al., 2007). The bureau in collaboration with the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Kumarakom has made significant achievements in conservation of a number of commercially important and endangered freshwater species of regional importance (Padmakumar et al., 2011). Stock-specific, breeding-assisted river ranching of two food fishes, Horabagrus brachysoma and Labeo dussumieri has been successfully carried out in Kerala; the landings of H. brachysoma after two years increased from 1.8% to 11 % and that of L. dussumieri showed an increase from 0.68% to 3.9% of the total-landings from the Vembanad Lake and adjacent rivers in the state. In order to strengthen such activities further, establishment of Live Gene Banks (LGB) in the region can have significant bearing in the protection and conservation of dwindling population of several endemic fish species. Some of the endemic species have been shortlisted indicating their attributes in the following table for further discussions.

Table 1. List of fishes and their attributes to be included in the proposed Live Gene Bank at RARS, Kumarakom

Sl. No. Species Attributes

1. Etroplus suratensis State fish of Kerala; Microsatellite markers identified by NBFGR; population genetics of the species to be initiated by NBFGR.

2. Barbodes carnaticus Economically important; Endangered; new species for breeding & cryopreservation.

3. Puntius sarana subnasutus Endangered; economically important; Captive breeding & milt cryopreservation protocols successful, but need up-scaling.

4. Gonoproktopterus curmuca Endangered; milt cryopreservation; protocols standardized; economically important; to upscale captive breeding protocol; Three genetically distinct populations identified.

5. Labeo dussumieri Endangered; for breeding and river ranching; Stocks from Meenachil, Manimala and Pampa are genetically homogeneous.

6. Puntius dobsoni Economically important; Endangered; new species for breeding & cryopreservation. Taxonomic ambiguity exists.

7. Horabagrus brachysoma Economically important; Endangered; Captive breeding & milt cryopreservation protocols standardized; Three genetically distinct populations identified.

8. H. nigricollaris Critically endangered; milt cryopreservation

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protocols standardized. 9. Channa diplogramme Endangered; Endemic; Commercially important; to

upscale breeding protocol; juveniles ornamental. 10. Clarias dussumieri Endangered; Endemic; Commercially important; to

upscale breeding protocol. 11. Macrognathus guentheri Endangered; endemic; economically important;

captive breeding protocol to be developed. Ornamental species

12. Tetraodon travancoricus Ornamental; endangered; highly expensive species; one of the smallest puffers in the world.

13. Carinotetraodon travancoricus Ornamental; endangered; highly expensive species; one of the smallest puffers in the world.

14. Etroplus maculatus Ornamental orange chromide cichlid; endemic to the region.

NBFGR has established a live gene bank at Lucknow with 12 functional ponds holding species of high conservation significance and having the following main objectives: (i) collection of threatened, endangered, and rare fish species and management of their stocks under farm conditions, (ii) study of growth, maturity, survival, and adaptability of these species in controlled conditions, and (iii) study of the life history traits of the threatened species as a tool for in situ and ex situ conservation. At regional level, NBFGR has established live gene banks in collaboration with Gauhati University and Department of Fisheries, Assam to conserve northeastern fish germplasm resources. Success was obtained in the captive breeding of six species and more endemic species are being introduced in the system so that suitable package of breeding and cultural practices can be developed. More regional live gene banks in different agro-climatic zones such as the Western Ghats are required in collaborative mode to accommodate more species and developing some of these repositories into 'fish parks' or eco-tourism zones to create mass awareness. The Future: The absence of technology for the routine cryopreservation of gametes and embryos of many aquatic species means that it is currently most practical to maintain gene banks of aquatic animals in situ. The limits to the number of individuals of each species that can be maintained in LGBs, varied environmental requirements of different species, the difficulties in propagating individuals in a way that maintains genetic diversity (effective breeding numbers are often low in captive broodstocks of aquatic species) and the high cost of holding facilities are the main problems with technology presently available for ex situ gene banking of aquatic species. The maintenance of aquatic species in aquatic protected areas can help to overcome these problems. In well-located aquatic protected areas, whole communities of species can be "banked" together for the cost of effective enforcement of the protected area. Another advantage is that individuals are not removed from their roles in production on-site. Rather, aquatic protected areas allow the number of individuals of exploited species to increase, and to attain a greater mean body size (Bohnsack 1993). In the case of most marine fisheries species, this has resulted in an exponential

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increase in egg production, dispersal of greater numbers of 'seed' to areas outside the protected area, and replenishment of the proportion of the population vulnerable to fishing (Harvey et al., 1998). The benefits of establishing aquatic protected areas as gene banks are not limited to the populations on-site. Representative groups from populations that are at risk elsewhere can be transferred to aquatic protected areas provided that the genetic stocks are same and health and bio-safety requirements are met. Such transfer measures are most suitable for sedentary species that feed low in the food chain, as implemented for abalone (Haliotis spp.) in California and suggested for giant clams (Harvey et al., 1998). The concept of genetic diversity conservation may have an apparent simplistic look, but the measures to be taken for conservation requires certain creative approaches. For ex situ operations, gene banking will focuss largely on the target species, without much diversification into banking of the food and other beneficial organisms. However, there could be more gene banking of, for example, larval food organisms, such as Artemia strains, and microorganisms for managing detrital food webs. Well-investigated scientific data are essential for effective conservation planning. For implementation of conservation and management programmes, the participation of public, voluntary organizations, government agencies, scientists, planners and administrators are required. It is clear that commitment to a live gene bank will have to be long-lasting with total dedication to the programme that involves breeding and maintaining multiple generations with out losing genetic diversity. The NBFGR jointly with the RARS, Kumarakom and the Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Society (ABCS) is organizing a "National Consultation on Live Gene Banking of Freshwater Fishes of the Western Ghats" at Kumarakom on 21st May, 2011 with the involvement of all stake holders (i) to develop guidelines and strategies for live gene banking of freshwater fishes of the Western Ghats; (ii) look at various aspects and explore the possibilities of establishing live gene banks in the region in a collaborative mode and (iii) to identify areas to be declared as potential sanctuaries for in situ conservation in the region. It is expected to bring out a clear road map for establishing and maintaining the live gene bank and river stretches for in situ conservation in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot that can ultimately lead to conservation and sustainable use of India's vast and varied fish diversity. References:

Abdul Muneer, P. M., A. Gopalakrishnan, K. K. Musammilu, Vindhya Mohindra, K.K. Lal, V. S. Basheer, W. S. Lakra (2009) Genetic variation and population structure of endemic yellow catfish, Horabagrus brachysoma (Bagridae) among three populations of Western Ghat region using RAPD and microsatellite markers. Molecular Biology Reports, 36:1779–1791 (DOI 10.1007/s11033-008-9381-6).

Anna Mercy, T.V., A. Gopalakrishnan, D. Kapoor and W.S. Lakra (2007) Ornamental Fishes of the Western Ghats of India. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, U.P., India, 235p.

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Bartley, D.M., B.J. Harvey, R.S.V. Pullin (eds) (2007). Workshop on Status and Trends in Aquatic Genetic Resources: a Basis for International Policy. 8–10 May 2006, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. FAO Fisheries Proceedings. No. 5. Rome, FAO, 179p.

Baugh T. M. and J. E. Deacon (1988) Evaluation of the role of refugia in conservation efforts for the Devils Hole pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis Wales. Zoo Biology, 7(4): 351–358.

Bohnsack, J. A. (1993). Marine reserves-they enhance fisheries, reduce conflicts and protect resources. Oceanus 36:63-72.

Briggs, J.C. (1995) Global Biogeography. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

Carvalho, G. R. and L. Hauser (1994) Molecular genetics and the stock concept in fisheries. Rev Fish Biol Fish. 4: 326–350.

FAO. 1998. Secondary Guidelines for the Development of National Farm Animal Genetic Resources Management Plans: Management of Small Populations at Risk. FAO, Rome. 215p.

Gopalakrishnan, A., Musammilu, K. K., Basheer, V.S., Lijo John, Padmakumar, K.G., Lal, K.K., Mohindra, V., Punia P., Dinesh, K., Hashim, M., Ponniah A. G., and Lakra, W.S. (2009) Low genetic differentiation in the populations of the Malabar carp. Labeo dussumieri as revealed by allozymes, RAPD and microsatellites. Asian Fisheries Science, 22(2): 359-391.

Harvey B., Ross C., Greer D. and Carolsfeld, J. (1998) Action before extinction: an

international conference on conservation of fish genetic diversity. Proceedings of a conference held Feb. 16-18, 1998, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. World Fisheries Trust, Victoria, B.C., Canada. 259p. ISBN 0-9683958-0-5

Okutsu T, Yano A, Nagasawa K, Shikina S, Kobayashi T, Takeuchi Y, Yoshizaki G. (2006a) Manipulation of fish germ cell: Visualization, cryopreservation and transplantation. J. Reprod. Dev.; 52: 685–693.

Okutsu T, Suzuki K, Takeuchi Y, Takeuchi T, Yoshizaki G. (2006b) Testicular germ cells can colonize sexually undifferentiated embryonic gonad and produce functional eggs in fish. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 103: 2725–2729.

Otte, D. & Endler, J.A. (eds) (1989) Speciation and its consequences. Sinauer, Sunderland, MA., USA, 248p.

Padmakumar K. G., L. Bindu, P. S. Sreerekha, A. Gopalakrishnan, V. S. Basheer, Nitta Joseph, P. S. Manu and Anuradha Krishnan (2011) Breeding of endemic catfish, Horabagrus brachysoma in captive conditions. Current Science, 100 (8): 1232-1236.

Ponniah, A.G. and A. Gopalakrishnan (Eds.) (2000) Endemic Fish Diversity of the Western Ghats. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, U.P., India. 347p.

National Consultation on

21 May 2011, Saturday

 

Dr. J.K. Jena,  Dr. K.G. Padmakumar  Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan  Convenor  Co‐convenor Organizing Secretary 

Programme 

Venue        :   Water Scapes, KTDC, Kumarakom, Kerala 

Date          :  21 May 2011, Saturday Time          :  10.00 hrs to 11.15 hrs 

Inaugural Session    

Invocation  

Welcome        :  Dr. J.K. Jena,  Director, NBFGR 

 

Presidential Address    :  Dr. E.G. Silas, Former‐Vice Chancellor, KAU,Thrissur 

 Address by Chief Guest    :   Shri. K. R. Viswambharan, IAS                          Vice Chancellor, KAU, Thrissur  Address by Guests of Honour  :  Dr. B. Madhusoodana Kurup,             Vice Chancellor, KUFOS, Kochi 

Dr. A.S. Ninawe,                                   Advisor,  DBT, New Delhi 

            Dr. Madan Mohan,                                   ADG (Marine Fisheries), ICAR, New Delhi                                 

Felicitations       :  Dr. G. Syda Rao, Director, CMFRI, Kochi                       Dr. T.K.Srinivasa Gopal, 

Director, CIFT, Kochi 

      Dr. B.S. Corrie, IFS,                                          Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,                                          Govt. of Kerala 

             

Vote of Thanks      :  Dr. K. G. Padmakumar,                 Assoc. Director, RARS, Kumarakom

National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow

Regional Agricultural Research Station (KAU), Kumarakom Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Society, Lucknow

Cordially invite you to the inaugural function of the

National Consultation on Live Gene Banking of

Freshwater Fishes of the Western Ghats

at Water Scapes, KTDC, Kumarakom

on 21.05.2011 at 10.00 am

Shri. K. R. Viswambharan, IAS Vice Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

will be the Chief Guest and inaugurate the function

Dr. E.G. Silas Former- Vice Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

will preside over the function

Prof. (Dr) B. Madhusoodana Kurup Vice Chancellor, Kerala Univ. of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi

and Dr. A.S. Ninawe

Advisor, Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi will be the Guests of Honour

Kindly grace the occasion with your presence Dr.J.K. Jena Dr. K. G. Padmakumar Director, NBFGR Assoc. Director, RARS

National Consultation on

21 May 2011, Saturday

Organized by: NBFGR Cochin Unit & RARS, KAU, Kumarakom Dr. J.K. Jena, Convenor,         Dr. K.G. Padmakumar, Co‐convenor, Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, Organizing Secretary  Technical Session: 11.30AM 1. Genetic characterization & Gene banking of

freshwater Fishes of the Western Ghats – NBFGR experience

Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan NBFGR Cochin Unit

11.30-11.45

2. Captive breeding, Sanctuary and germplasm enhancement – RARS experience & Achievements of CARE, Palayamkottai

Dr. K.G. Padmakumar & Dr. M.A. Haniffa

11.45-12.00

3. Western Ghats freshwater Fish Diversity – NATP-NBFGR-MS Univ- CUSAT experience

Dr. M. Arunachalam & Dr. B. Madhusoodana Kurup

12.00-12.15

4. Live Gene Banking of freshwater Fishes of the Western Ghats – Status & Needs

Dr. J.K. Jena 12.15-12.30

5. Formation of working groups and discussions, theme-wise

12.30-13.15

Lunch Break 13.15 – 14.15

6. Theme based discussions to follow 14.15-15.45 7. Presentation of the group leaders –Theme I - Species prioritization and

Germplasm maintenance in Live Gene Bank. 15.45-16.00

8. Presentation of the group Leaders - Theme II - Captive breeding & Enhancement

16.00-16.15

9. Presentation of the group Leaders - Theme III - Exploration of new areas & potential sanctuary sites for in- situ conservation.

16.15-16.30

10. Plenary Session – Finalization of the Recommendations & Preparation of road map for establishing the Live Gene Bank in the Western Ghats

16.30-17.30

11. Valedictory function 17.30-17.45