How can environmental DNA transform Indian fisheries management?

Title : How can environmental DNA transform Indian fisheries management?

Abstract:

India is a significant player in global fisheries and aquaculture industries, contributing to food security and economic development. However, this vital and diverse resource faces management limitations, due to an obsolete monitoring system, which, coupled with climate change impacts, challenges sustainable exploitation of resources. To address this issue, emerging monitoring approaches such as those based on environmental DNA (eDNA) – i.e. DNA collected form environmental samples without the need of sampling or observing the target species, appear as promising solutions to transform fisheries management in India. As a non-invasive, logistically easy and cost-effective biodiversity monitoring approach, eDNA which ensures spatio-temporal coverage of a variety of ecosystems, providing fisheries management relevant information such as species distribution, abundance, behaviour and connectivity. Yet, despite its proven efficacy in different fields related to fisheries globally, the adoption of eDNA analyses remains limited in the Indian context. Here, through compelling narratives and other set examples, and making emphasis on the specific challenges that must be addressed to make it practically operational, I will outlook the potential of new opportunities brought by eDNA to promote significant changes in fisheries research and biodiversity management in India.

Audience Take Away Notes:

• The audience will gain insight into how eDNA analysis can revolutionize fisheries management by offering non-invasive tools for species detection, biodiversity assessment, and ecosystem monitoring.
• The integration of eDNA analysis offers a practical solution to complex fisheries management challenges by providing snapshot about the species presence, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.

Biography:

Mukesh Bhendarkar began his fisheries journey with a Bachelor's degree from the Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Science University, followed by a Master's degree in Fisheries Resource Management from Dr. BSKKV, India. He then embarked on a professional journey, starting as a Lecturer for Freshwater Fisheries at VNJC, Maharashtra  and later worked as a Fisheries Project Consultant for the Adani Foundation in Gujarat. Transitioning into governmental roles, he assumed the position of Assistant Fisheries Development Officer for the Government of Maharashtra, where his responsibilities encompassed diverse areas from fish breeding initiatives to socio-economic activities involving fishermen. Subsequently, he transitioned into the research domain, assuming the role of Scientist at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture in Odisha. Presently, he is serving at ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management in Maharashtra, with a specific focus on addressing challenges associated with abiotic stressors in fisheries and aquaculture. Concurrently, he is pursuing his PhD at AZTI, Spain, concentrating on innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) applications in fisheries ecology.