Stakeholder Workshop on Invasive Fish Species Management in Goa

     A stakeholder workshop on “Invasive Fish Species Management in Goa” was organized by ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa, in association with the Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA) and Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), on 3 July 2026 at the Goa State Biodiversity Board office, Saligao, Goa. This programme was organized as part of the Goa State Research Foundation-funded research project (IRIS-LD) on invasive fish species management in Goa. It aimed to raise awareness about invasive fish species, their ecological impacts, and the importance of conserving the state's indigenous fish diversity.

     The workshop was attended by 54 participants (12 male and 42 female) representing various government departments, academic institutions, research organizations, local residents and other stakeholders associated with fisheries, biodiversity conservation and wetland management.

     Dr. Sreekanth G. B., Senior Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI, Goa, delivered a comprehensive session on invasive fish species management, discussing the status, impacts, pathways of introduction, management strategies, and the need for coordinated conservation efforts to protect Goa’s freshwater ecosystems. The session emphasized the importance of public awareness and stakeholder participation in preventing the spread of invasive fish species across the state.

     Shri. Trivesh Mayekar, Scientist (Fish Genetics and Breeding), ICAR-CCARI, Goa, delivered a lecture on the conservation of indigenous fish species of Goa, highlighting the importance of protecting native fish biodiversity through scientific management and conservation initiatives.

    As part of the creatingfield level awareness, participants were shown the live specimens of major invasive fish species occurring in Goa, including Pangasius, African catfish, Nile tilapia and ornamental fishes.There was also a display of the common native freshwater fishes of Goa. The live demonstration enabled participants to identify these invasive species and better understand their distinguishing characteristics, ecological impacts, and potential threats to native aquatic biodiversity.

    The participants appreciated the efforts of the scientific team forthe practical demonstrations and scientific discussions. They expressed their commitment to supporting fish conservation initiatives and promoting awareness for the effective management of invasive fish species in Goa.The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sreekanth G. B., Shri. Trivesh Mayekar, Mr. Mrudul Pendurkar, Young Professional-I, ICAR-CCARI, Goa, and Smt. ShrutiSalgaonkar, Project Assistant, Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA).