Balasore: A two-day national workshop on the conservation of Indian Horseshoe crabs and associated organisms was held at Fakir Mohan University recently. The workshop was inaugurated by the varsity’s Vice-Chancellor Santosh Kumar Tripathy in the presence of the Chairman of PG Council Bhaskar Behera. The workshop touched upon regular monitoring programmes, habitat restoration projects, and educational outreach initiatives for conservation of the rare species. The programme was organised by the collaborative efforts of the PG Department of Zoology with Bioscience and Biotechnology Department in association with Zoological Survey of India.
Emeritus, Don Bosco University Sushil Kumar Dutta, RCCF Baripada Prakash Chandra Gogineni, former WII scientist BC Chaudhury and former NIA-GOA scientist Anil Chatterjee were among the guests of the workshop. The event fostered collaboration among various stakeholders, including scientists, conservationists, local authorities and the community to ensure the long-term conservation of horseshoe crabs. “This workshop has been an eye-opener for many of us. The knowledge shared here will undoubtedly contribute to the better protection of horseshoe crabs,” said a participant and local conservationist. “Horseshoe crabs are a vital part of our coastal ecosystems. We must work together to ensure their survival,” stated a marine biologist and speaker at the event.
The workshop was a resounding success bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies for the protection of these ancient and ecologically significant creatures. The event highlighted the need for ongoing conservation efforts and community involvement to safeguard horseshoe crab populations for future generations. Bharat Bhusan Pattnaik and Bishnu Prasad Dash coordinated the 2-day workshop, while Niladri Bhushan Kar took the responsibility of organising secretary. Manojit Bhattachary hosted the programme and led all technical sessions.