In a joint effort to tackle declining fish stocks along Kerala’s coast, researchers from India and the United Kingdom have developed The Fishing App, a mobile platform aimed at supporting small-scale fishers. This initiative seeks to boost the efficiency of fishing operations while addressing the economic challenges faced by coastal communities.
Bindi Shah, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Southampton, explained that fishing livelihoods in Kerala are increasingly under threat from both environmental and human activities. “Frequent extreme weather events, unchecked overfishing, juvenile fish harvesting, weak regulation, and coastal development have caused significant harm to marine ecosystems,” she said.
The project is being led by the University of Southampton, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, along with researchers from the universities of Exeter and Newcastle. The app offers several innovative features that enable fishers to optimize their fishing expeditions.
One of the core functions of The Fishing App is its GPS-sharing tool, which allows users to mark and share the locations of fish-rich areas. This feature helps other fishers save time and fuel by directing them to productive fishing zones. Additionally, the app encourages fishers to upload photos of their catch and report on sea conditions, fostering real-time communication within the fishing community.
The data collected through the app will be used by researchers to monitor the region’s marine environment, compare it with historical fish catch records, and assess the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. The insights gained will also help guide the creation of sustainable fishing policies.
“Our conversations with fishers revealed that they also want weather updates and a way to connect with other boats in real time,” Shah said. “These additions can enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and help stabilize the incomes of small-scale fishers.”
While still under development, The Fishing App shows great potential for supporting fishing communities. The research team is actively seeking further funding to integrate additional features and make the app accessible to coastal fishers across India. “We hope to release it widely, empowering small-scale fishers with the tools they need to navigate current challenges,” Shah added.
