National Repositories: CMLRE Kochi and ARI Pune Notified
Why in the news
Two scientific bodies were given legal custody roles for newly described species and unusual microbes, closing gaps in deep-sea and microbial collections.
Key facts
- Notifying body: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
- Legal basis: Section 39, Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- New repositories: CMLRE, Kochi and ARI, Pune.
- Network size: 20 (earlier 18).
The two new repositories
| Feature | Referral Centre Bhavasagara (CMLRE, Kochi) | MACS Microorganism and Fungal Collection (ARI, Pune) |
|---|---|---|
| Speciality | Deep-sea biodiversity | Microbes and fungi |
| Holdings | Over 3,500 geo-referenced specimens, incl. rare deep-sea fishes and invertebrates | Anaerobic and extremophilic microorganisms |
| Why it matters | Only national facility for relatively unexplored deep-sea life, a biopiracy-prone area | Authenticated fungal cultures aid agriculture and healthcare research, e.g. new antibiotics |
Background concepts
- Voucher specimen: a preserved physical sample (dried plant, preserved fish or microbial culture) kept as the permanent record of a species so later scientists can re-check a discovery.
- Biopiracy: using a biological resource without permission or without sharing benefits with the originating country or community.
- NBA: statutory body headquartered in Chennai that regulates access to biological resources in line with the Nagoya Protocol (Access and Benefit Sharing).
Exam angle
- Section number to recall: 39; Act: Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- CMLRE stands for Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology.
- NBA headquarters: Chennai.