Srinagar, Jun 18: In a significant achievement for Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), a doctoral scholar from the Faculty of Fisheries has secured an international research grant of US$6,500 from the United States-based Wild Animal Initiative for a study on the critically endangered Kashmir Loach.
Misba Rehman, a PhD scholar in the Division of Fisheries Resource Management, has received the grant for the project titled “Assessing Behavioral and Physiological Welfare Indicators for the Kashmir Loach (Triplophysa kashmirensis).” The project is being led by Dr Syed Talia Mushtaq as Principal Investigator, with Rehman serving as the Lead Applicant.
The research seeks to generate scientific evidence on behavioural and physiological welfare indicators of the Kashmir Loach, an endemic fish species found in the Kashmir Valley. The study is expected to contribute to the development of science-based conservation and management strategies while advancing welfare-focused approaches to freshwater biodiversity conservation.
Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, congratulated Rehman and Dr Mushtaq on securing the prestigious international grant. He said the achievement reflects the growing global recognition of research being undertaken at the university.
“Such internationally funded projects strengthen the university’s commitment to impactful research and biodiversity conservation. We are proud of our young researchers who are contributing to addressing critical environmental and conservation challenges,” he said.
Dean, Faculty of Fisheries, Prof Farooz Ahmad Bhat, described the grant as a major accomplishment for the faculty, noting that the project addresses an important yet relatively understudied aspect of fish conservation and welfare. He said the findings would enhance understanding and protection of Kashmir’s endemic aquatic biodiversity.
Head of the Division of Fisheries Resource Management, Dr Tasaduq Hussain Shah, said the international funding support underscores the scientific merit and relevance of the work being carried out by the division. He expressed confidence that the study would generate valuable insights for conservation planning and sustainable management of native fish resources.
Dr Syed Talia Mushtaq, the Principal Investigator and research supervisor, said welfare assessment of freshwater fishes remains a relatively unexplored area. She noted that the project would provide critical baseline information for the conservation of *Triplophysa kashmirensis* and help bridge key knowledge gaps in the management of threatened Himalayan freshwater species.
Expressing gratitude, Rehman acknowledged the support of the university administration, Faculty of Fisheries, Division of Fisheries Resource Management and her supervisor. She said the grant would facilitate innovative research aimed at improving understanding of the welfare and conservation needs of the Kashmir Loach, a species of considerable ecological significance in the region.
The award highlights the increasing international recognition of research being carried out at SKUAST-K and reinforces the university’s role in promoting globally relevant studies on biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of aquatic resources.
