CMLRE Kochi's 'Bhavasagara' Referral Centre designated National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna
The Environment Ministry designated the 'Bhavasagara' Referral Centre of CMLRE, Kochi, as India's National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (announced 30 March 2026).
Summary
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has designated the 'Bhavasagara' Referral Centre of the Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi, as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna, the Ministry of Earth Sciences said on 30 March 2026. The designation is under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The centre holds over 3,500 taxonomically identified, geo-referenced voucher specimens, from invertebrates to sharks, rays and bony fishes.
Key facts
- Repository
- 'Bhavasagara' Referral Centre – National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna
- Institution
- CMLRE, Kochi (Ministry of Earth Sciences)
- Designated by
- MoEFCC under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- Collection
- Over 3,500 voucher specimens
- MoES Secretary
- Dr M. Ravichandran
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The 'Bhavasagara' Referral Centre, designated as India's National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna in March 2026, belongs to which institution?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology, Kochi
'Bhavasagara' is the Referral Centre of CMLRE, Kochi, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Under which law was 'Bhavasagara' designated as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The designation was conferred by MoEFCC under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.