SKUAST-K celebrates World Fisheries Day with extensive outreach, student engagement activities

Srinagar, Nov 23: The Faculty of Fisheries, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), celebrated World Fisheries Day 2025 with a comprehensive series of outreach and in-campus activities conducted from November 13–21 , 2025.

The multi-day programme aimed to promote environmental awareness, fisheries education, and hands-on learning among school and university students. The outreach programme was organised under the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP), Germany sponsored project on “Ecology and migration patterns of the critically endangered Himalayan loach, Triplophysa kashmirensis  using radio telemetry techniques for informing effective conservation strategies,” said a press release.

As part of the outreach initiative, the Faculty organized interactive sessions at Government Boys Middle School, Rangil, and Hyderia Model High School, Tulmullah, engaging children aged 6–14 years in painting competitions, pollution demonstrations, puzzle-solving exercises designed to stimulate curiosity, cleanliness drives, water quality assessments, and fish species identification activities to foster environmental understanding and awareness.

Following the success of the community-based outreach programmes, a series of competitive events were conducted at the Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil, Ganderbal, where university students participated with great enthusiasm. Activities included a painting competition, quiz, and poster programme, all centered around themes of fisheries, sustainability, and freshwater conservation. The events provided a platform for students to express their creativity, showcase their knowledge, and articulate their perspectives on environmental stewardship.

The week-long celebration culminated in a grand prize distribution ceremony in which Prof Sajal A Gangoo, Dean Students Welfare, SKUAST-K, was the Chief Guest. Prof. Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Dean, Faculty of Fisheries, presided over the function, and Prof. Tasaduq Hussain Shah, Head, Division of FRM and Programme Coordinator, conducted the proceedings of the programme.Both the Deans applauded and acknowledged the efforts of Dr Syed Talia Mushtaq, Principal Investigator, ZGAP project for organizing such impactful programmes that successfully connected young minds with crucial issues related to fisheries and ecosystem conservation. They also commended the participating students’ performances, dedication, and enthusiasm.

The 2025 World Fisheries Day celebrations at SKUAST-K reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering awareness, encouraging scientific learning, and nurturing responsible future custodians of aquatic resources.