On 31^st May 2009, FARMCs - Tamil Nadu was launched during the one day seminar on “Hatchery Production of Ornamental fishes” inaugurated by Mrs. Priya Ilangovan, Chairman of Pattukkottai.  FARMCs refer to Fisheries and Aquatic Management Councils.  The council was initiated by OMCAR Foundation with the objectives of empowering fisher participation in regional environmental conservation and management activities. 

   

                               

 

               Mr. A. Jambunathan, Assistant Director of Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department and Mr. V. Vivekananthan, Secretary of Environmental Conservation Society were participated in this programme as chief gurest.  Dr. T.Ajithkumar, a marine biologist and expert in ornamental fish hatchery from CAS in Marine Biology has delivered a lecture on building backyard ornamental fish hatcheries.  He has urged the need to mitigate the over exploitation of wild ornamental fishes by backyard hatcheries.  He has been developed a technology that transferred the fishes from 34ppt (parts per thousand) to 22 ppt in terms of salinity.  He has developed his own water purification equipment that will reduce the installation costs of hatchery up to 70%.  “Simple equipments, scientific support, subsidy from the government and role of local NGOs will successfully provide alternative livelihood arrangements to the fisherfolks”, said Dr. Ajith kumar.

 

          

                           

 

           Costal Village presidents, panchayat members, women group representatives, media persons and students attended the programme.  OMCAR Foundation is preparing to strengthen the FARMCs that has 19 members from coastal villages.  Insitu conservation practices, environmental awareness programmes and alternative livelihood programmes of OMCAR Foundation will be channelized and promoted through FARMCs. First programme of FARMCs is already started in the form of seminar on “Hatchery production of ornamental fishes”.  Members of FARMCs will receive information on recent marine conservation issues, assessment of mangroves and seagrass beds and fish monitoring techniques in forthcoming years.  First Class rank holders of 10th grade examinations in coastal schools of Thanjavur district are appreciated by honouring prizes from OMCAR Foundation.