Abstract:
The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is a national facility undertaking dedicated R&D activities related to marine living resources within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond. Through extensive ecosystem monitoring studies onboard the Fishery Oceanographic Research Vessel, Sagar Sampada, CMLRE has gathered valuable information on the marine living resources of the country. Studies spanning the entire Indian EEZ have yielded crucial information on physical, chemical, and biological processes, shedding light on the impact of environmental changes on marine life. The talk gives a historical account of the marine living resources studies of the Indian EEZ and the efforts taken by the institute in documenting the rich diversity of the Indian seas. Systematic exploration has identified several new-to-science species and new zoo-geographical records, emphasizing the region’s significance as a biodiversity hotspot and unique ecosystems with rare organisms. Further, it sheds light on India’s commitment to harnessing the vast potential of the deep oceans for sustainable development.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Sherine Sonia Cubelio works as a Scientist E in the Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, Cochin. She completed her doctoral degree in Marine Bio-sciences from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Japan. She has undertaken many deep-sea cruises involving Submersible dives and ROV operations onboard national and international research vessels. She has described many new species of deep-sea organisms and has several publications in national and international journals. At CMLRE, she coordinates the work related to Marine Biodiversity and Ecology. Recently, she has undertaken a deep-sea dive onboard the submersible Omega Seamaster in Maldives waters to study the Indian Ocean twilight zone biodiversity in association with the UK and Maldives.