Marine Biodiversity Museum (A Designated National Repository) Catalogue

• Main Authors: Manisseri, Mary K, Antony, Geetha, George, Rani Mary, Nair, Rekha J, Joshi, K K, Geetha, P M
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute 2012
• Subjects: CMFRI Special Publications; Marine Biodiversity; Antarctic; Indian; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/8922/; http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/8922/1/Marine_Biodiversity_Museum_Catalogue.pdf

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Cochin was recognized as a 'Designated National Repository' by the Government of India, in December 2007 in consultation with the National Biodiversity Authority under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. A Designated National Repository (DNR) is an Institution authorised to keep in safe custody specimens of different categories of biological material. The Museum offers a glimpse of the bioresources of the Indian seas. Currently the museum houses six holotype specimens, 878 finfish species, 136 crustaceans, 217 molluscs, 44 echinoderms, 162 corals, 12 sponges, 20 ascidians, 82 seaweeds and 8 seagrasses besides a dolphin and three Antarctic birds. The Museum is open to scientists, teachers, students and the general public. The fact that students form more than 85% of the visitors highlights the role played by the Museum in education. A catalogue of the specimens available in the Museum has been prepared as it is expected to be of immense use to those engaged in marine biodiversity studies. I sincerely thank Dr. G. Syda Rao, Director, CMFRI whose guidance and encouragement made this a reality.