Waves of Learning

• November 28, 2024
• Posted By : Kapmi Library
• 1 Comment

Specimen collection at Tagore beach, Karwar

Gokarna Field Tour – 18 and 19 November 2024

The field tour was organized by Department of Science, KAPMC. 9 students of final year B.Sc. joined in this journey to Gokarna and Karwar, where we visited a food manufacturing factory (Gokarna) and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (Karwar). This tour was insightful for both Chemistry and Zoology students and helped us in gaining the practical experience along with the theoretical knowledge. 

Our journey began at the break of dawn, leaving Shivamogga at 6:30 AM, with excitement and anticipation. The first stop was the serene Bhimeshwara Temple at 10:30 AM, where the blend of spirituality and eye-catching beauty of nature left us in awe. After soaking in the peaceful vibes, we headed towards Kumta, arriving at 1:00 PM. There we visited the Vatjat Pharma Foods factory, where we got to gain first-hand experience of witnessing the production of chemical IP grade products, food grade products, etc.

By 4:00 PM, we reached Gokarna, where the charm of this coastal town embraced us. We collected shells here, for the lab. The stay was cozy, with the sound of waves in the background promising a fun night. We also visited the holy Mahabaleshwar temple in the evening, and the day was completed with a feeling of contentment!

The second day was packed with adventure as we left Gokarna at 8:00 AM for Karwar. Our first destination was CMFRI, where we were introduced to the amazing world of marine culture. We saw brooders and learnt about the characteristic features, also got a chance to look at the fish being injected with Buselin, a gonadotropin releasing hormone. We were glad to see the live feed (phytoplankton, zooplankton) cultures.

Demonstration & insights on injecting hormones to fishes to perform induced breeding at CMFRI,Karwar

At 12:00 PM, we were told about the projects of CMFRI. Also, we visited 2 museums there. There we were introduced to the lab techniques and instruments used. We learnt about the cage culture, where fishes are cultured in a mesh cage and is placed in seawater, also we saw various specimens of marine habitat. Bones of whale and dolphins were spectacular.

Visit to CMFRI museum, Kodibag Karwar

The afternoon took us to the bustling Karwar Fish Market at 2:15 PM, where the vibrant sights and sounds of local life were truly captivating. There we collected few fishes for preservation in our lab. By 3:30 PM, we found ourselves on the Rabindranath Tagore beach, indulging in shell, shrimp and hermit crab (Pagurus conformis) collection, and marveling at the ocean’s treasures.

As the day progressed, we headed to Honnavara at 5:30 PM for a serene boating experience. The lush greenery and calm waters created a tranquil atmosphere, offering a perfect escape into nature. We observed pneumatophores, specialized roots, which help plants breathe in waterlogged soil (mangrove, here). By 9:30 PM, we paused for a well-deserved meal, reflecting on the adventures of the day. Finally, at midnight, we returned to Shivamogga, our hearts full of memories and stories to cherish.

This two-day field trip to Gokarna and Karwar was a perfect blend of spirituality, culture, and coastal charm—an experience that will linger in our minds for years to come.

Shreya P & Simantini Sadhale (III B.Sc)