Around 1,000 delegates from India and abroad are expected to attend the event, engaging with approximately 500 research works presented across four critical themes: ecosystem and biodiversity conservation; sustainable fisheries and mariculture; climate and environment resilience; and products, value chain & livelihoods.
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WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
A global community of marine scientists, researchers, policymakers and industry experts will assemble in Kochi for three days from Tuesday to discuss the mounting challenges facing marine ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture.
The fourth edition of the International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems: Challenges and Opportunities (MECOS-4) will begin at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). The event, focusing on climate change and sustainable aquatic resource management, will be inaugurated by S Somanath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Organised by the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) in association with CMFRI, MECOS-4 comes amid a series of emerging threats to the marine environment, including rising sea temperatures and extreme weather events.
Around 1,000 delegates from India and abroad are expected to attend the event, engaging with approximately 500 research works presented across four critical themes: ecosystem and biodiversity conservation; sustainable fisheries and mariculture; climate and environment resilience; and products, value chain & livelihoods.
The event will also feature special sessions on women in marine biology and marine mammal research. Another highlight will be industry meet, attended by key players in mariculture and seafood exports, designed to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and commercial application.
Aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) meeting will also be held during the conference.
The symposium is expected to set the stage for a comprehensive roadmap towards achieving healthy oceans and a healthy humanity.
Published on November 3, 2025
