Batangas State University and India’s Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) formally convened in a virtual meeting as part of the initial scoping discussion for a research collaboration in the field of marine science, May 20.
CMFRI is a marine fisheries research institute located in Kerala, India which has emerged as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world. The institution enjoys the status of a premier research organization which is comparable to any other institution in the developed countries.
Specific key areas of collaboration were pointed out during the meeting which include cage culture of fish, seaweed culture, effects of ocean acidification and global warming on marine ecosystems, and use of microalgae cultures to produce fishmeal and bioactive compounds for drug discovery, and other related areas.
The new partnership will be forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BatStateU and CMFRI. The MoU will include provision of funds and expertise from the Indian researchers and experts at CMFRI. Meanwhile, a short-term exchange program between researchers from both institutions will also be proposed.
The online meeting was attended by BatStateU President Tirso A. Ronquillo, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services Engr. Albertson D. Amante, BatStateU ARASOF-Nasugbu Chancellor Dr. Enrico M. Dalangin, VIP CORALS – Nasugbu Head Dr. Miguel Enrique Ma. A. Azcuna, as well as key officials of CMFRI.
New horizons await the Philippine-India research cooperation on marine biodiversity. More developments regarding this collaboration is expected to be initiated within the year.
Photo source: India in Philippines (Embassy of India, Manila) Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/IndiaInPhilippines/photos/a.468605903270342/2311234842340763/)
