Fishermen Partner with INCOIS to Monitor Marine Trends

Quick Summary:

• Initiative wiht Fishermen and Real-time Data: INCOIS, headquartered in Hyderabad under Ministry of Earth Sciences, is collaborating with fishermen to gather real-time ocean data via sensor-equipped fishing nets.
• Enhancement of Marine advisory: A mobile app allows fishermen to send catch images directly to INCOIS servers, combining their observations with satellite data for more accurate fishing zone predictions.
• Satellite-Based Communication Systems: Plans include partnerships with the Fisheries Ministry and ISRO on two-way communication systems allowing connectivity up to 1,500 km offshore using Gemini/NaVIC devices. These tools enhance coverage beyond mobile zones (up to 12 km from the coast).
• Previous Innovations: Devices like GEMINI use GAGAN and NaVIC satellite systems for providing ocean state forecasts. Recent collaborations will ensure more extensive funding for these devices.
• Request for Dedicated Satellite: INCOIS seeks a dedicated ocean observation satellite from the Ministry of Science & Technology due to gaps in existing satellite data intervals (up to 22 days).Newly approved micro-satellites are expected to provide three-hour interval updates.
• Deployment of Sea Gliders: Long-range sea gliders have been deployed near Antarctica and Indian Ocean for monitoring temperature, salinity, oxygen levels and chlorophyll concentration. These remotely operated sensors cover vast areas (up to 1,000 km) over nine months.

Indian Opinion analysis:

INCOIS’s initiative marks a notable step toward integrating citizen science into advanced marine research by actively involving India’s fishing community. This collaborative model not only democratizes scientific contributions but could also improve real-time accuracy of marine forecasts critical both economically (fisheries sector) and environmentally.

The move toward dedicated satellites addresses longstanding gaps in timely data retrieval-a key challenge affecting forecasting reliability. Greater collaboration between ministries underscores India’s commitment at policy level toward leveraging space technology for sustainable resource management.

Innovations like Gemini/NaVIC devices bridge infrastructural hurdles ensuring communication far offshore-important given India’s massive coastline dependency on fisheries. Furthermore, deployment of unmanned sea gliders exemplifies adoption of cutting-edge technology addressing global challenges like climate change through deeper understanding of oceanic patterns.

India continues setting precedents in aligning local participation with scientific advancement while seeking solutions spanning national interests across environmental sustainability and economic empowerment sectors.

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