Salient Achivement

• The Institute has emerged as a Centre of Excellence for research on fish genetic resource management and has made significant contributions in its mandated research areas, as follows:

• Developed database on fish diversity of India containing information about 2,953 finfish species.
• Developed database on Freshwater Fishes of Northeast and Western Ghats, and fish diversity checklists for eight states and three ecosystems (Western Ghats, Gulf of Mannar and Vembanad Lake).
• Developed four online databases: Fish Barcode Information System, Fish Karyome, Fish and Shellfish Microsatellite Database, and Fish Mitogenome Resource.
• Extensively explored different river basins and two important biodiversity hotspots, namely the Western Ghats and Northeastern States, for documentation of fish diversity.
• Discovered 43 new fish species during explorations of ecologically diverse habitats in India over the last ten years, in collaboration with partner organizations.
• Developed genomic resources including Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) and gene-associated markers in Indian catfish (Clarias magur) and Tenualosa ilisha.

• Studied phylogenetic relationships of fishes belonging to important groups and genera using molecular markers. Initiated whole genome sequencing of two commercially important fish species, Labeo rohita and Clarias magur, in collaborative mode.
• Identified molecular markers for 35 finfish species and constructed genomic libraries for 6 fish species for microsatellite identification.
• Produced quality seed of Indian Major Carps (IMCs) for supply to the State Fisheries Department and fish farmers of Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions.
• Investigated the population genetic structure of 26 finfish and shellfish species across their native distribution range in Indian waters to support stock-specific conservation, river ranching programmes, and fisheries management strategies.
• Successfully completed mitochondrial DNA sequencing of eight fish species to strengthen genetic resource information.
• Developed species-specific DNA profiles for 11 Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) species (8 Dinoflagellates and 3 Cyanobacteria) from Indian seas for their accurate and timely identification.

• Completed DNA barcoding of over 600 Indian marine and freshwater finfish and shellfish species. Developed species-specific molecular signatures for commercially important finfish and shellfish species to resolve taxonomic ambiguities and ensure accurate documentation of species diversity.
• Developed captive breeding protocols for 15 ornamental fish species in collaboration with partner organizations, including the College of Fisheries, Panangad. Also established breeding protocols for six endangered fish species to support their conservation and sustainable utilization.
• Successfully resolved three legal disputes using DNA barcoding technology, including forensic identification of Pomphret (Pampus chinensis), the endangered and protected Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), and the protected marine mammal Dugong (Dugong dugong).
• Developed sperm cryopreservation protocols for 30 fish species, providing significant support to captive breeding technology and assisted rehabilitation programmes for target species in their natural habitats.
• Successfully carried out ranching of endangered Yellow Catfish (Horabagrus brachysoma) and Malabar Labeo (Labeo dussumieri) in Vembanad Lake and adjoining rivers in collaboration with RARS, Kumarakom, Kerala, resulting in increased fish landings.
• Developed in vivo and in vitro assay systems for the evaluation and assessment of the genotoxic effects of aquatic pollutants in fishes, contributing to environmental monitoring and aquatic ecosystem health.

• Utilized Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) technique for the assessment of genetic diversity in 20 fish species, strengthening cytogenetic research and biodiversity conservation.
• Successfully completed cytogenetic profiling of 70 endangered and endemic freshwater fish species, providing valuable information for conservation and genetic resource management.
• Assessed the ecological impacts of invasive exotic fish species including Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, Pangasianodon sutchi, and Piaractus brachypomus on indigenous fish biodiversity.
• Developed pluripotent embryonic stem cell lines derived from embryos of Indian catfish Heteropneustes fossilis and Labeo rohita, contributing to advanced fish biotechnology research.
• Developed rapid PCR-based DNA diagnostic assays for important fish pathogens including Gyrodactylus salaris, G. elegans, Dactylogyrus intermedius, Myxobolus cerebralis, and M. clarii, enabling faster disease detection.
• Introduced and promoted the innovative concept of "State Fish", leading to the declaration of 14 fish species as State Fish by 17 Indian States, enhancing awareness and conservation efforts.
• Coordinated the implementation of the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases, supported by DAHDF and NFDB, across 14 aquaculture-important states with the active participation of 22 partner organizations.
• Developed advanced diagnostic capabilities for OIE-listed pathogens affecting both finfish and shellfish, strengthening aquatic animal health surveillance in India.
• Developed monoclonal antibodies against serum immunoglobulins of Channa striatus, Clarias magur, and Catla catla, with applications in sero-surveillance and evaluation of vaccine efficacy.

• Developed fish cell lines from 16 commercially important food and ornamental fish species, providing valuable resources for aquatic disease diagnosis and biomedical research.
• Successfully developed macrophage cell lines from Catla catla (Catla) and Labeo rohita (Rohu), which serve as effective in vitro models for evaluating immunomodulators and studying fish immune responses.
• Established the National Repository of Fish Cell Lines (NRFC), housing 50 authenticated fish cell lines, with financial support from the Government of India, to facilitate advanced research in fish biotechnology, health, and conservation.
• Contributed significantly to the preparation of several national policy documents for the conservation and sustainable utilization of fish genetic resources in collaboration with leading research institutes and government agencies.
• Prepared and supported the development of important national guidelines, including: Guidelines for Germplasm Exchange, National Strategic Plan on Aquatic Exotics and Quarantine, National Exotics and Quarantine Guidelines, Guidelines for Green Certification for Freshwater Ornamental Fishes, and Model Guidelines for Fish and Shellfish Seed Certification in India.