Workshop on Space Technology Application in Fisheries Sector Held in Port Blair

Port Blair, Aug. 21: The Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration in collaboration with the Zonal Base Fishery Survey of India and ISRO’s Space Application Centre, conducted a workshop-cum-awareness programme on ‘Application of Space Technology in Fisheries Sector’ in the Conference Hall of Directorate of Industries on Aug. 20, 2024. The event conducted as a prelude activities as part of National Space Day 2024 to be celebrated across the country on Aug. 23, 2024 to commemorate the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The Director of ICAR-CIARI, Dr. Eaknath B Chakurkar as the chief guest inaugurated the workshop. The Director of Fisheries, Shri Abhishek Gulia highlighted the importance of modern communication and navigational tools for fishermen’s safety and praised the collaborative efforts to reduce occupational hazards in fishing.
The Zonal Director of the Fishery Survey of India, Port Blair, Dr. Vinod Kumar Mudumala delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing ISRO’s achievements and the significance of embracing new technologies and urged the fishermen communities and students to make use of its benefits. In-charge, NIOT, ACOSTI, Dollygunj, Dr. Dilip Kumar Jha, emphasized on the advantages of integration of space technology in fisheries sector. Governing Body Member, NFDB, Shri S.U. Maheshwar Rao, requested the fishermen to make use of the benefits of transponders to be fitted on-board the mechanised and motorised fishing boats for the safety of the fishermen.
The workshop-cum-awareness programme was aimed to bring awareness to the fishermen communities, students and general public on the benefits of space technology in fisheries sector for fisheries management in the country. More than 200 people including fishers, fish farmers, boat owners associations, fishermen cooperatives and associations, students from Colleges and Universities, entrepreneurs and officials of Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration and officials of Fishery Survey of India actively participated in the event.
During the technical session, the ISRO scientists presented the use of transponders and high-frequency devices through mobile apps to enhance communication and data sharing and the impact on the safety of the fishermen at sea. They also interacted with fishermen and students and the queries raised were answered during the presentations. The session concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director (Fisheries), Department of Fisheries.