Kochi, Nov 3 (UNI) More than 1,000 marine scientists, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from India and abroad will gather here from tomorrow for the fourth edition of the International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems: Challenges and Opportunities (MECOS-4).
The three-day event, to be held at the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), will focus on the mounting challenges facing marine ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture.
The symposium will be inaugurated by former ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath at 10 am at the Platinum Jubilee Hall of CMFRI. Organised by the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) in association with CMFRI, MECOS-4 is being held at a time when the marine environment is grappling with rising sea temperatures, extreme weather events, and other climate-induced threats.
Nearly 500 research works will be presented during the event under four key themes: Ecosystem and biodiversity conservation; sustainable fisheries and mariculture; climate and environmental resilience; and products, value chain, and livelihoods. Special sessions will highlight the contributions of women in marine biology and new developments in marine mammal research.
An industry meeting on Wednesday will bring together leading players in mariculture and seafood exports to connect scientific advancements with industry needs.
A meeting of the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) will also be held during the symposium to strengthen regional collaboration in ocean research. The deliberations over the three days are expected to pave the way for a roadmap aimed at ensuring healthy oceans and improved human well-being.
Meanwhile, a seafood festival will add flavour to the event, with an octopus cookery show set to be a major attraction.
The three-day culinary fiesta, open to seafood enthusiasts and the public, will offer a wide range of freshly prepared dishes combining traditional coastal recipes with modern fusion flavours.
Kallummakkaya (mussel) and octopus delicacies, alongside fish, crab, and shrimp varieties, will feature on the menu, along with special items such as seafood biriyani and sagara sadya. The live cookery show will be held from 3 pm to 5 pm on November 4 and 5.
