New Delhi. The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is organizing seminars and demonstrations in coastal states and union territories to showcase the transformative impact of space technologies on the Indian marine fisheries sector. This initiative has been taken ahead of the National Space Day to be celebrated on August 23. The ministry said in the statement that space technologies are already playing an important role in enhancing fisheries management and development.
Space technologies such as satellite remote sensing use Oceansat and INSAT systems to identify potential fishing areas and monitor the health of the ocean. Earth observation technology employs INSAT, Oceansat and SAR satellites to monitor ocean currents, waves and extreme weather for optimal fishing operations.
Satellite communications ensure the exchange of real-time data between ships, coastal stations and research institutions. Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping to predict fish distribution and optimise fisheries management.
The ministry said that these advanced systems increase efficiency and safety at sea, detect illegal activities, support water mapping and provide disaster warnings. To further promote technological advancement, the government has approved a national ‘rollout’ plan under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
This ambitious project aims to install 1,00,000 transponders on marine fishing vessels in nine coastal states and four union territories with an outlay of Rs 364 crore. India’s vast coastline of 8,118 km, a vast Exclusive Economic Zone spread over 20.2 lakh sq km and abundant inland water resources underline the importance of these technological interventions in maintaining and developing the country’s rich fisheries ecosystem.