Fish farmers to be included in review panel

KOCHI: Fisheries Minister K Babu has said that instructions have been given to district collectors to include fish farmers in the district-level review committee of the Matsyakeralam project. The minister was delivering the inaugural address at the valedictory function of the India International aqua show which culminated in Kochi on Wednesday.He said that a high-level committee consisting of experts has been deputed to study, encourage and protect aquaculture in Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. “A survey will also be conducted to identify water bodies suitable for aquaculture and more laboratories will be set up to ensure the availability of healthy juvenile fish. The minister said that Kerala can make  achievements in ornamental fish and aquarium keeping. “The export of ornamental fish open up a number of employment opportunities and possibilities for earning foreign exchange,” the minister said. Mayor Tony Chammany, Additional Chief Secretary P K Mohanthi and Fisheries Director C A Latha spoke. The minister gave away prizes for those who excelled in the show.