Fish release at the riparian restoration sites in the Chalakudy River Over 2,500 Juveniles Released into Chalakudy River Over 2,500 juvenile fish seeds of threatened and indigenous species were released into the Chalakudy River as part of the inland fish conservation project sanctioned by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) to Annamanada Grama Panchayat. The event, held with the participation of local fisherfolk, marked the second phase of the initiative. In the first phase, more than 1,500 juveniles had been released into the river. The current release included Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) and the threatened Günther’s Catfish (Horabagrus brachysoma), both native to Kerala’s inland waters. The project aims to conserve such species through a restocking approach. During the monsoon, many native fishes migrate from rivers to inland water bodies for spawning, but are often caught before reproducing. To address this, brood fishes are collected with the help of local fishers, safeguarded in ponds, and bred successfully. Their fry is raised until they reach a suitable size before being released back into the river. The event was inaugurated on behalf of Annamanada Panchayat President Mr. Vinod P. V., by ward members Mr. Baiju, Mr. Joby Sivan, and Ms. Manju Satheeshan. The program is being implemented with technical support from the CEtC Hornbill Foundation, at MES Asmabi College, Kodungallur. The project not only restores fish populations but also highlights the importance of avoiding fishing during breeding seasons. Dr K. H. Amitha Bachan, Assistant Professor at MES Asmabi College and Director of the Western Ghats Hornbill Foundation, led the program along with researchers Aswin Krishna and Silpa Santhosh. The event also saw the participation of local fisherfolk, MGNREGA workers, and community members, coordinated by Mr John and Mr Sajeevan. As part of the third phase, another batch of grown fry is scheduled to be released into the Chalakudy River in the coming months.