A group of intellectuals of the district here has demanded establishment of a marine biology and fisheries research centre in Baleswar because of availability of vast coastline and marine species.
In this context they had a meeting on Monday.
Baleswar is unique for rich biodiversity, most importantly the marine ecosystem that it harbours. The north-east coast of Odisha offers a good opportunity in the field of genetic conservation of marine biodiversity. This continental shelf provides suitable grounds for different biogenic activities and nursery grounds for important marine species. Sea turtles actively migrate to these shores for breeding, it is known for its horseshoe crab population, said Siddharth Pati, a research scholar on marine species .
Apart from a scientific mission, the centre will drive and support the development of a scientifically curated public aquarium, develop newer facilities for development of coastal areas and ensure a lot of advancement for the coast of Baleswar and Bhadrak, said Prof Dr Gobinda Chandra Biswal from FM university.
In the meeting they urged the district administration as well as elected representatives to take up the matter with the centre in their level .
Kesu Das , Gouranga Panigrahi, Manoj Nayak, Niranjan Parida and several other environment lovers were present in the meeting.