Bhubaneswar/Gopalpur, May 6 (BNP): In a landmark marine discovery, researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Fakir Mohan University have documented a snapper species, Lutjanus arakan, in Indian waters for the first time along the coast of Gopalpur in Odisha.
The finding marks a significant addition to India’s marine biodiversity records, as the species was previously not known to inhabit Indian coastal waters. The discovery was made during a scientific survey aimed at assessing marine life along the eastern coastline.
Experts said the presence of Lutjanus arakan expands the known distribution range of the snapper family and highlights the rich, yet underexplored, marine ecosystem of the Bay of Bengal region. The researchers emphasised that such discoveries underline the importance of sustained marine exploration and biodiversity conservation.
Further studies are underway to analyse the species’ habitat, ecological role, and population dynamics in the region. Scientists and officials have termed the finding “historic,” noting that it could have implications for fisheries management and future marine research initiatives in Odisha and beyond.
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