Sustainable Fisheries (Community Outreach)
Although Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) is not located in a coastal or marine zone, the university actively contributes to the promotion of sustainable aquaculture and freshwater fisheries management through community outreach, research integration, and capacity-building initiatives. TMU recognizes the importance of fisheries and aquaculture in ensuring food security, livelihood generation, and ecological balance, aligning with the national mission on sustainable fisheries development.
Initiatives and Activities:
TMU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Studies and NSS Cell, has undertaken several initiatives to promote awareness and education related to sustainable aquaculture and inland fisheries management:
- Conducted awareness programmes for fish farmers in the nearby rural belts of Moradabad, Rampur, and Amroha, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly aquaculture practices, controlled feeding systems, and water quality management.
- Organized training sessions on integrated fish farming combining aquaculture with agriculture and livestock, reducing waste and increasing farm income sustainably.
- Carried out extension lectures on fisheries resource conservation and pollution control in local ponds and community-managed water bodies.
- Introduced student-led research projects on aquaponics systems and bio filtration methods under the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences to promote sustainable production and ecosystem resilience.
- Celebrated World Fisheries Day 2024 with community workshops and exhibitions showcasing sustainable fishery models, supported by local experts and small-scale aquaculture entrepreneurs.
Sustainable Aquaculture Practice
Students Empowering Farmers with New, Eco-friendly Aquaculture Practices
Outcomes and Impact:
Outcomes:
- Over 600 fish farmers and students from nearby districts participated in training and awareness programmes during 2024.
- Surveys indicated that nearly 35% of local participants adopted bio-secure pond management techniques and reduced dependence on chemical feed inputs.
- TMU’s pilot aquaponics demonstration model, launched in April 2024, served as a practical learning hub for sustainable freshwater aquaculture education.
Impact:
Through these outreach and capacity-building initiatives, TMU extends its commitment to SDG 14 – Life Below Water by fostering responsible aquaculture practices, promoting freshwater biodiversity protection, and empowering rural communities with sustainable livelihood options. The programs have enhanced the local understanding of environmentally sound fishery management while linking academic learning with practical application.