Fishing activities. (Photo: CMFRI)

Satellite-based ocean model developed to spot fishing zones

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has partnered the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to identify areas in deep seas where fish are found in abundance to help fishermen easily locate their catch without wasting time and fuel.

As part of the effort, the CMFRI and the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the space agency have jointly launched a research project Samudra for identifying, forecasting and monitoring potential fishing zones (PFZ) in waters of Tamil Nadu in the first phase, Hindustan Times reported.

The project will focus on developing and running a satellite-based ocean forecasting model to provide PFZ advisories.

“PFZ advisory will definitely help the fishermen reduce their fishing efforts and at the same time increase their fish catch without wasting much time and fuel,” pointed out CMFRI director Dr A Gopalakrishnan.

The project includes the development of a satellite-based numerical ocean model to forecast information about the fishing locations by closely monitoring and analysing various physical changes in the oceans owing to seasonal and climatic variations, high winds, rain and cyclonic conditions.

As part of the research work, physically collected data on fish catch, water quality and biophysical parameters such as pigments, temperature, salinity, nutrients, productivity etc will be validated with satellite-derived data.

“The seas surrounding the Indian subcontinent contribute to an average of 2.5 million tonnes of seafood. The potential yield of seafood is estimated to be around 3.9 million tonnes from Indian exclusive economic zone. In this scenario identification, mapping and forecasting of PFZ are very essential,” Dr. Gopalakrishnan stressed.

Referring to the Samudra project, its main researchers, Dr Shoba Joe Kizhakudan, said that as part of identifying these PFZ the behaviour of fish habitats controlled by various environmental parameters, including currents, the presence of planktons, would be monitored.

According to CMFRI’s estimate, the total marine fish landings for 2016 was 3.63 million tonnes with Gujarat remaining at the top for the fourth consecutive year followed by Tamil Nadu. Kerala, with its vast coastline, for the first time dropped out of top three and ranked fourth behind Karnataka.

The estimated value of marine fish landings during 2016 at the landing centre level in the country was INR 483.8 million (USD 7,458 million), registering an increase of 20.67 per cent compared to 2015.

 
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