The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) Hyderabad, is set to organize a workshop on the application of drone technology in fisheries and aquaculture at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi, Kerala, on Friday.
At the workshop, the NFDB, alongside innovative startups, will present the transformative potential of drone technology in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The event will conclude with a live drone demonstration showcasing various applications in fisheries, such as fish transportation, feed dispensing, and life jacket deployment for rescue operations.
The workshop aims to spotlight technological advancements and highlight the role of drone technology in revolutionizing the fisheries sector. It is anticipated that over 700 fishermen and fisherwomen will participate.
This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which promotes sustainable, economically viable, and inclusive growth in fisheries and aquaculture. Drones provide innovative solutions to challenges within the sector, including water sampling, disease detection, feed management, fish transport, precision fishing, and stock assessment.
In addition to drone demonstrations, the event will feature the distribution of “Cadalmin BSF PRO,” a specially formulated fish feed supporting sustainable aquaculture practices. A booklet titled “EG Sailas Center of Excellence” will also be launched to showcase significant advancements in the field.
Furthermore, the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) will officially launch a National Symposium aimed at fostering collaboration among marine science professionals nationwide.
In conjunction with this event, the Department of Fisheries, with technical support from DG Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways, will host a ‘One-Day Interactive Workshop’ on November 8 at the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) in Kochi. This workshop will address issues related to the registration, survey, and certification of fishing vessels. It aims to provide essential support to the coastal State/UT fisheries departments, enabling them to function as the ‘Registrar of Fishing Vessels’ and to gain the expertise needed for technical assessments, which are prerequisites for vessel registration or renewal.
(Inputs from IANS)