Source : The Business Line Date : 03.06.2009
Remote sensing boosts fish catch
Our Bureau
Visakhapatnam, June 2
Remote sensing techniques are essential to boost the dwindling fish catches in the country, as they can be used to identify potential fishing zones and the traditional fishermen and others can be guided to make fishing more profitable, according to Dr B. Meena Kumari, the Director of the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT).
She was speaking at the local CIFT branch on Tuesday. Dr Kumari said that CIFT was working in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in conducting studies and application of data in the field.
“Studies have shown that remote sensing data can be very useful not only in fishing but in conservation efforts as well. The data can also be used to monitor the vessels in the sea and to ascertain the pollution levels to take preventive steps,” she explained.
In tuna fishing in particular, remote sensing was found to be particularly useful in Japan and the US and in several European countries, Dr Kumari said. Even the traditional fishermen should be encouraged to use the technologies to boost fish catch. Their boats should be fitted with global positioning system (GPS) sets and echo-finders and these navigational aids would make it easier for them to reach potential fishing zones faster.
Dr Kumari said the CIFT was making all efforts to take the improved post-harvest technologies to the traditional fishermen and improve their lot.
“In all these endeavours, the State Governments should also evince interest and play their role. The State Fisheries departments should play a key role. Fisheries is a state subject. We can provide the technologies and the methods,” she said.
Dr Iman Khasim, the scientist in charge of the local branch of the CIFT, explained the activities of the local centre in improving the lot of fishermen here.
