Fishing Smart, Safely
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has unveiled a trio of innovative mobile applications designed to transform the lives
of Indian fishermen. These digital tools are set to enhance fish catches and, consequently, improve the financial well-being of fishing communities across the nation. Based in Hyderabad, this initiative coincides with INCOIS's 27th foundation day celebrations, marking a significant leap in oceanographic service delivery. The applications will act as vital guides, directing fishing crews to areas where marine species like jellyfish and tuna are most likely to be abundant. Crucially, they will also furnish fishermen with essential hazard alerts concerning ocean swells and dangerous storm surges, thereby promoting safer maritime practices and mitigating risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns. This integrated approach aims to create a more informed and prosperous future for India's vital fishing sector.
Jellyfish & Tuna Insights
At the forefront of this technological advancement is the Jellyfish Aggregation Information Interactive Portal, or JellyAIIP. This sophisticated web-based system offers dynamic visualisations, mapping out the locations and movements of jellyfish aggregations and swarms along the vast Indian coastline. In parallel, a similar, already established platform provides crucial insights into tuna movements, guiding fishermen towards prime tuna fishing grounds. These specialized tools represent a significant upgrade from traditional fishing methods, leveraging data to pinpoint areas of high marine biomass. By providing such detailed, location-specific information, INCOIS is equipping fishermen with a powerful advantage, enabling them to make more efficient and successful fishing expeditions, ultimately leading to greater yields and improved economic outcomes.
Storm Surge Warnings
Beyond identifying productive fishing zones, the new suite of applications places a strong emphasis on safety. The Swell-Surge Inundation Vulnerability Advisory System (SIVAS), which has already been successfully implemented along the Kerala coast, is now being expanded to encompass all other coastal states in India. This system is specifically designed to provide early warnings of potentially hazardous swell surges and the associated risk of flooding in low-lying coastal areas. By disseminating timely alerts, SIVAS empowers coastal communities to take necessary precautions, safeguard their property, and ensure their personal safety well in advance of any impending weather-related threats. Furthermore, an upgraded version of the SAMUDRA app is also being released, continuing its vital role in offering information on potential fishing zones and issuing alerts specifically tailored for small vessels and other maritime users operating in Indian waters.
Collaborative Ocean Future
The launch of these applications is accompanied by significant strategic collaborations aimed at further bolstering oceanographic research and services in India. INCOIS is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Space Application Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), headquartered in Ahmedabad. This partnership is poised to strengthen joint efforts in ocean observation and research, leveraging ISRO's expertise in satellite technology. Additionally, INCOIS will forge collaborations and sign MoUs with the Institute of Climate Change Services in Kerala. These alliances are geared towards conducting joint research initiatives focused on climate change impacts and developing advanced, data-driven applications to address evolving environmental challenges and enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities.
