Research Priorities COFS

Sr. No.	Research Area	Aim	Objective	Benefits of Farmers
Aquaculture
1	Breeding and Hatchery Management	To improve the efficiency and productivity of fish seed production.	Develop advanced induced breeding techniques, broodstock management, and hatchery optimization for key aquaculture species.	Access to high-quality fish seed for improved survival rates, faster growth, and increased yield in farms.
2	Sustainable Aquaculture Practices	To promote eco-friendly and sustainable aquaculture practices that improve farm productivity without harming the environment.	Research on the adoption of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and integrated fish farming techniques.	Reduced dependency on traditional resources, cost-effective farming, and increased environmental sustainability.
AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT
1	Aquatic Productivity and Water-Soil Quality Studies	To enhance aquaculture production efficiency by demonstrating effective soil and water quality management practices.	To impart skills and knowledge to stakeholders for sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.	Improved yields, sustainable resource use, reduced environmental degradation, and long-term profitability.
FISH ENGINEERING
1.	Fishing Craft and Gear Technology	Documentation of Indigenous fish catching techniques in Eastern Vidarbha region of Maharashtra	1. To explore knowledge about prevalent indigenous fishing techniques among fishermen. 2. To document ITK through interaction, observation & focus group discussion using semi-structured interview schedule 3. Use of rationality scale to judge rationality of the indigenous practices.	1. Inventorying of indigenous fishing crafts & gears used 2. Validation of indigenous knowledge through scientific technology. 3. Protection of indigenous knowledge through Intellectual Property Rights
2	Remote Sensing & GIS	Monitoring of Eutrophication in Inland water reservoirs Using Remote Sensing and GIS	To develop RS & GIS based Trophic State Index (TSI) model for remotely monitoring the Trophic status of selected reservoirs.	Eutrophication could be controlled and fish production of reservoirs would be enhanced.
FISH PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
1	Product Development	To enhance fish preservation, processing, and value addition techniques	To develop cost-effective and sustainable fish processing technologies that ensure quality, safety, and market competitiveness. To promote the utilization of underutilized fish species by developing value-added products and reducing post-harvest losses.	Value-added fish products will open new market opportunities, leading to better income generation and economic stability.
FISHERIES EXTENSION, ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
1	Supply Chain analysis of fish market	To analyze the structure of fish marketing channels in Latur district, with a specific focus on assessing the price spread and determining the fishermen’s share in the consumer’s expenditure.	1. To study the existing marketing channels in Latur district of Maharashtra. 2. To estimate price spread and marketing efficiency in various fish supply chains in the study area.	Mapping of marketing channels facilitates the identification of potential alternative markets and direct marketing opportunities, thereby enabling fishers to enhance their income by reducing dependency on intermediaries.
2	Constraints analysis of fish marketing in Latur District of Maharashtra	To identify and analyze the major constraints in fish marketing faced by stakeholders in Latur district and to provide recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the fish marketing system.	To analyze the constraints of fish marketing in selected areas in Latur district and make the necessary recommendations for improvement of fish marketing in the study area.	The project will help to identify key challenges faced by fishers in marketing. Based on the findings, practical recommendations can be made to improve marketing efficiency, increase income, and enhance overall livelihoods of fishers in the Latur district.
FISHERIES RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
1	Biodiversity Documentation and Conservation	To prepare a baseline database of freshwater fish and shellfish diversity in the Marathwada region	To prioritize fish and shellfish species for regional aquaculture, ornamental purposes, and conservation purposes.	Aquaculture and ornamental sector species diversification and conservation of native species.