India Hosts Deep-sea Taxonomy School to Enhance Marine Research
Kochi has become the focal point for marine biodiversity research as the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, officially launched the “Deep-sea Macrofauna Taxonomy School: Standardizing Methodologies for Biodiversity Assessments” on September 7, 2026. This five-day initiative, running until September 11, is a significant part of the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) endorsed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
The program is a collaborative venture featuring key partners including CMLRE, ISA, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK). Its aim is to enhance scientific understanding and practice in the realm of marine biodiversity.
Inaugural Ceremony Brimming with Insights
The event kicked off with an inspiring address from Ms. Leticia Carvalho, Secretary-General of the ISA, who stressed the urgency of building scientific knowledge and taxonomic skills for effective environmental management of deep seabeds. She called for enhanced international cooperation and standardized scientific methodologies among member states, urging early-career researchers to pursue scientific excellence and tackle complex challenges with confidence.
Dr. R. Maheskumar, Head of CMLRE, welcomed the participants and initiated the inaugural session, which showcased various marine biodiversity research efforts undertaken by CMLRE. Following this, Dr. Senthil presented a detailed overview of these activities, while Dr. G. Dharani shared insights on marine biodiversity studies related to the Deep Ocean Mission. The ceremony highlighted commitments under the SSKI program by MABIK and included a keynote address from Dr. Baban Ingole, focusing on benthic studies in the Indian Ocean.
A Diverse Gathering of Scientific Minds
The program has drawn nearly 30 early-career researchers and scientists from various ISA Member States across the Indian Ocean Region, including nations like South Africa, Kenya, Bangladesh, and India. Participants will engage in a robust curriculum featuring specialized lectures, field visits for benthic sample collection, and intensive laboratory training in macrofauna identification.
The training also covers advanced techniques in traditional taxonomy, DNA barcoding, and biodiversity data analysis. Workshops will focus on the curation of samples and the publishing of open-access biodiversity data. Expert guidance will be provided by seasoned professionals from countries like Brazil, South Korea, and Germany, along with renowned Indian scholars.
Strengthening India’s Role in Marine Research
This training initiative emphasizes India’s emerging leadership role in deep-sea biodiversity research. By establishing standardized methodologies for assessing benthic biodiversity and promoting international scientific collaboration, the program reflects a substantial advancement in sustainable exploration and environmental governance in the Indian Ocean.
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