Kochi, June 8 (AHN) The Kerala government is planning to establish a knowledge cluster bringing together research institutions and agencies involved in fisheries to share expertise, research findings and technological innovations, state Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor said on Monday.

Addressing a function organised at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here to mark World Ocean Day, the minister said the proposed cluster would help institutions work together to tackle emerging challenges in the fisheries sector and develop sustainable solutions.

The initiative assumes significance as the sector faces growing pressures from climate change, changing weather patterns, and declining availability of several fish species that were once abundant.

The minister said climate change and associated environmental changes had become serious threats to fisheries resources, making scientific intervention and coordinated action essential.

"The fisheries sector is facing several challenges, including climate change and pressure on fishery resources. Many species that were once commonly available are now showing a decline," he said.

The Fisheries Department will take the lead in coordinating efforts among research bodies and other stakeholders to strengthen scientific support, policy interventions and sustainable fisheries management, he added.

CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George presided over the World Ocean Day programme.

Abdul Gafoor also released the latest CMFRI publications during the event.

Earlier, the minister reviewed the preliminary proposal for the development of Munambam Fisheries Harbour at a stakeholder consultation held at the CMFRI.

The proposed Rs 200-crore project aims to transform the harbour with modern infrastructure and facilities to ensure that fishery products meet international export standards.

The meeting decided to prepare a harbour layout modelled on Kochi Harbour, incorporating 12-metre-wide roads and multi-level parking facilities for heavy vehicles.

The plan also includes features of a Green Smart Harbour, with environmentally sustainable infrastructure, advanced waste management systems and energy-efficient facilities.

A signal station to improve navigational safety and harbour operations has also been proposed.

The meeting decided to prepare a 3D model of the project within a month to facilitate funding support under central schemes, including the PMMSY and Sagarmala.

A further review meeting will be held within a month to take the project forward.