NitteDU organises walkathon at Tannirbhavi to raise awareness against overfishing

NitteDU organises walkathon at Tannirbhavi to raise awareness against overfishing

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, December 29, 2025: With the message “Protect Our Oceans, Preserve Our Future,” the NITTE–GOK Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation (NITTE-GOK COE | AQUAMARIN), supported by KTech, Government of Karnataka, organised a 5-km walkathon on the theme “Together Against Overfishing” at Tannirbhavi Beach on Sunday.

The event was hosted by the Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), Nitte Deemed to be University (NitteDU), in association with the NSS Cell of NitteDU and the Rotary Club Mangaluru. The walkathon aimed to create public awareness about the adverse impacts of overfishing, promote sustainable fishing practices, and encourage community participation in marine conservation, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Anirban Chakraborty, Director of NUCSER and in charge of NITTE-GOK COE | AQUAMARIN, said that NitteDU has been at the forefront of initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has consistently championed the cause of a sustainable and livable planet.

Several eminent personalities were present on the occasion, including Dr. Iddya Karunasagar, Advisor – Research and Patents, Nitte Deemed to be University; Dr. Shivakumar Magada, Director General, Arabian Sea Fisheries Management Coordination Committee (Sea-MC²); Dr. Ram Savan, Professor of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA; Dr. Rajesh K. M., Principal Scientist, ICAR–CMFRI; Prof. Vinod Aranha, Director, Nitte Institute of Architecture and President, Rotary Club Mangaluru; entrepreneur Manjunath H.; and Sanjaya Suvarna, President, Mahajana Sabha, Mangaluru. The walkathon was flagged off by Jnaneshwar, Police Sub-Inspector, Panambur Police Station, following a brief inaugural programme.

More than 250 participants, including students, members of the general public, environmental enthusiasts and fishermen, took part in the event. The walkathon route covered Tannirbhavi to Bengre and back, with participants carrying placards highlighting marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.

The initiative underscored the importance of protecting marine biodiversity, addressing the impacts of overfishing, and fostering responsible fishing practices. Organisers emphasised the crucial role of community participation, particularly students and the public, in ensuring sustainable marine resources for future generations.