The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) organized a workshop on the Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture. Held at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi, Kerala, the event focused on exploring how drones can support the growth and sustainability of the fisheries sector.
The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including dignitaries, scientists, state fisheries officials, fishermen, fisherwomen and entrepreneurs, and was inaugurated by George Kurian, the Minister of State for the Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Technological Innovations in Fisheries and Aquaculture
The workshop focused on the potential applications of drone technology to address various challenges in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Drones are being explored for a variety of uses, such as water sampling, fish disease identification, feed management and aquaculture farm management. They also have the ability to monitor fish behavior in natural habitats, detect signs of distress and assist in stock assessments. Other applications include the monitoring of fish markets, damage assessment of fisheries infrastructure and facilitating rescue operations during natural disasters. The potential of underwater drones to monitor aquatic life was also highlighted.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, George Kurian outlined the role of drone technology in improving monitoring capabilities, especially in aquaculture farms and fisheries infrastructure. He emphasized how drones could aid in disaster management and highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the sector.
PMMSY and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The Minister also announced the development of 100 climate-resilient coastal fishing villages under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). An allocation of INR 20 Mn per village has been made to enhance local infrastructure, promote sustainable practices and ensure resilience against climate change. These improvements include fish drying yards, processing centers, emergency rescue facilities, and support for seaweed cultivation and green fuel initiatives.
Additionally, the minister revealed that the government plans to equip one lakh fishing vessels with transponders for real-time tracking, weather alerts, and communication, with an investment of INR 3.64 Bn. This initiative is aimed at improving safety and operational efficiency in the fishing industry.
Drone Technology Demonstrations
The workshop included practical demonstrations of drone technology in fisheries, which were previously conducted at locations such as the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Barrackpore, Kolkata, and Gyan Bhawan in Patna, Bihar. Dr. V V Suresh, Head of the Mariculture Division at EyeROV Technologies Pvt. Ltd., gave a presentation on the application of drone technology in the fisheries sector, outlining the challenges and opportunities associated with its adoption.
A distribution event for “Cadalmin BSF PRO,” a specially formulated fish feed designed for sustainable aquaculture practices, was also part of the workshop. In addition, a brochure titled “EG Sailas Centre of Excellence and Innovation” was launched, which focuses on marine fish microbiomes and nutrigenomics. The event also marked the official launch of the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) National Symposium, which aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among marine science professionals.
Commitment to Sustainable Fisheries Growth
Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), delivered a speech highlighting the Department of Fisheries’ efforts to support the growth of the fisheries sector. She emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to promote sustainable development. Under PMMSY and other schemes, significant investments have been made to boost fish production, improve resource management, and increase efficiency in the sector. She encouraged stakeholders to take full advantage of the available schemes and initiatives to enhance the sector’s growth.
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Focus on Fishing Vessel Registration and Certification
Alongside the workshop on drone technology, the Department of Fisheries also organized a separate event at the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) in Kochi, focused on the registration, survey and certification of fishing vessels. Supported by the Directorate General of Shipping (D.G. Shipping), Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, Government of India, the workshop featured expert participation from the Indian Registry of Shipping (IRS) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).
A Platform for Collaboration
The workshop provided a platform for the exchange of ideas, with numerous participants, including fishermen, fisherwomen, scientists, students and entrepreneurs. The event also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the government, research institutes and the private sector to modernize and support the fisheries and aquaculture industries in India.
The workshop underscored the critical role of technology, particularly drone innovations, in addressing challenges and unlocking the full potential of India’s fisheries sector, ensuring both sustainability and economic growth.
