FLASH NEWS
On 21 December 2024, the first expedition under the mesopelagic fish exploration initiative was carried out by the fishing vessel Bharadwaja. The vessel initially set sail on 18 December 2024 for its maiden survey attempt. However, due to unexpected technical issues, the crew was forced to return to the landing center after completing only a single trawl. Despite this early setback, the team successfully gathered a small quantity of mesopelagic fish specimens, which were handed over to the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) for scientific examination and preliminary analysis.
Following necessary repairs and technical adjustments, Bharadwaja embarked on a second expedition on 19 December 2024. This trip proved to be highly productive, with the vessel returning on 21 December 2024 carrying approximately 2,000 kilograms of mesopelagic fish. The catch consisted of 10–12 different species, providing valuable material for research and supporting efforts to better understand the potential of mesopelagic resources. The collected samples were forwarded to both the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) and CMFRI for detailed study, classification, and further scientific assessment.
The successful expedition marked a significant milestone in the ongoing exploration of mesopelagic fish in Indian waters. Beyond the scientific samples sent for analysis, the remaining catch was processed for fish meal production, demonstrating the potential commercial viability of these deep-sea resources. This initiative represents an important step toward sustainable utilization, informed stock assessment, and the development of new opportunities for the fishing industry while ensuring environmental responsibility.