He was addressing delegates at the inaugural of a 5-day international workshop on Toxic Algae and Biotoxins, jointly organised by Unesco Microbial Resources Centre in Marine Biotechnology, Department of Fishery Microbiology, Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University and College of Fisheries at the college premises here on Monday.
Prof Kaveriappa said as certain algae were responsible for poisoning of shell fish in the sea and, sometimes, the death of humans who consume the same, there was a necessity of inventing a know-how to detect the toxin levels in shell and other aqua organisms.
However, the VC said he would complement the algae for they were greatly responsible for sustainability of life by way of photo synthesis and evolution of oxygen. They also function as carbon-sink in the ocean, and they help global warming by producing certain bioactive compounds, he added.
Certain algae provide medicine for diseases like cancer. They also function as anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. They are useful in treating various ailments of both human beings and animals, Prof Kaveriappa said.
According to him international workshops such as this would enhance joint research prospects in this direction.
Sustainable approach
Representative from SIDA (Sweden) Dr Ann-Sofi Rehnstam Holm stressed on the need for sustainable approach to aquaculture. Sustainability and safer food are the two prominent issues to be dealt with, she noted.
FAO (Rome) representative Dr I Karunasagar drew attention on the increasing international trade of shell fish in the recent years. About 84 per cent of shell fish are being cultured, which constitute 24 per cent of the fisheries products in quantity and 14 per cent in value, he informed.
China is the largest producer of shell fish, which produce 80 per cent out of the total, he added.
Director of Research in KVAFSU Bidar Dr Suresh Honnappagol inaugurated the workshop. College of Fisheries Dean Dr Y Basavaraju presided. Workshop co-ordinator Dr Indrani Karunasagar was present. Delegates from across India and countries like Denmark, Sweden, Japan, China and Ireland are taking part in the workshop that will conclude on January 25.
