National Fish Museum & Repository
The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, is designated by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Government of India, as the nodal repository for the transfer of fish resources under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The institute established the National Fish Museum and Repository to strengthen this mandate. Since its inception, ICAR-NBFGR has worked to consolidate diverse collections, including vouchers, tissues, DNA, bacteria, cell lines, and fish milt, providing researchers with valuable resources and ensuring widespread accessibility for stakeholders. The museum features finfish and shellfish voucher specimens from freshwater, marine, and brackish environments, serving as an educational and research resource for students, teachers, scientists, and the general public. It also houses a radiographic facility for detailed studies of fish vertebrae counts, fin rays, and other osteological characteristics.
Aquatic Life Interpretation Centre
The Aquatic Life Interpretation Centre is dedicated to educating the public about the rich diversity of fish species and aquatic resources, including India’s rivers and streams. Key attractions include a statue of Matsyavatar, an artificial tunnel, scale models of commercially significant fish species, and replicas of state fish from 22 states across the country. Additionally, interactive display panels featuring educational videos on sustainable fishing practices provide an engaging and informative experience for visitors.
Facilities
The National Fish Museum and Repository brings together diverse collections, including vouchers, tissues, DNA samples, bacteria, cell lines, and fish milt, providing valuable resources for researchers and ensuring their broad accessibility for the benefit of stakeholders. The museum showcases finfish and shellfish voucher specimens from freshwater, marine, and brackish water environments, serving as a resource for research and education for students, teachers, scientists, and the general public. Additionally, it is equipped with a radiographic facility to enable a detailed study of fish vertebrae counts, fin rays, and other osteological features.
The National Fish Museum and Repository is designed to benefit research scholars, students, and the general public by offering opportunities to observe fish and deepen their understanding of fish morphology and biodiversity. The preserved samples serve both educational and research purposes. Through this effort, ICAR-NBFGR seeks to position India's fisheries research on a global platform and promote the sustainable conservation and utilization of prioritized species by fostering public awareness.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4::30 PM, except Mondays and public holidays.