The Hindu

Mangalore, Oct 21: How does one ensure long life for fishes in aquariums?

This question was raised by Vice Chancellor of the Bidar-based Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) Suresh S. Honnappagol on Monday at a function here. Mr. Honnappagol suggested to the Mangalore-based College of Fisheries to set up a unit for study of health management of fishes, particularly those in aquariums.

He was participating in the inauguration of the national agricultural innovation project, aimed at offering fisheries courses through internet.

Pointing out that fishes in aquariums gave relief from routine tensions to their owners, he wanted to know what was given back to those fishes. Stating that once he could not help a fish survive despite his best efforts, he said there was a need to study their health and help the owners of aquariums in ensuring a long life for the fishes. He said a unit to study this aspect could come up in the College of Fisheries and help people in managing their aquariums better.

Mr. Honnappagol said that the College of Fisheries had failed to attract students. The suggestion made by the local MLA N. Yogish Bhat to rename the course as B.Tech in Fisheries Science was well taken. It would be discussed at the vice chancellors’ meeting to be held in December at Anand in Gujarat. However, the interests of those who had already passed out with the existing course-title, Bachelor of Fisheries Sciences, should be taken care of, he said. Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University P. Thangaraju said students rated the educational institutions on the basis of their ability to get placements after the courses, infrastructure and quality of staff. He said a cell for placement created in his university had helped 85 students in getting jobs in 10 months.