In a significant step towards strengthening marine biodiversity conservation and deep-sea research, the “Bhavasagara” Referral Centre has been designated as India’s National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna.
The facility, established under the Zoological Survey of India, will serve as the central hub for the collection, preservation, documentation, and study of deep-sea organisms found in India’s maritime zones. The initiative aims to support scientific research and provide a structured framework for cataloguing marine biodiversity from unexplored deep-sea ecosystems.
The designation of “Bhavasagara” as a national repository is expected to significantly enhance India’s capabilities in deep-sea exploration, taxonomy, and biodiversity assessment. It will also facilitate collaboration among researchers, institutions, and policymakers engaged in ocean studies.
The repository will house specimens collected through various deep-sea missions, including those undertaken as part of the Government of India’s ambitious Deep Ocean Mission. These efforts are focused on exploring marine resources, understanding deep-sea ecosystems, and advancing sustainable utilization of ocean wealth.
The move aligns with India’s broader vision of promoting scientific research, conservation of marine life, and sustainable development of ocean resources. It is also expected to play a key role in capacity building, education, and awareness related to deep-sea biodiversity.