Fishing no longer needs to be a matter of chance, as scientists are now leveraging advanced technology to make it a more efficient and sustainable endeavor. Researchers from the Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Systems (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), are issuing daily advisories on Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs) for species such as tuna. By analyzing sea surface temperatures and chlorophyll levels, they provide precise locations to fishermen, saving time, money, and fuel. These advisories are available in English, Hindi, and eight coastal regional languages, benefiting over nine lakh fishing communities.
A significant discovery by INCOIS researchers highlights the critical role of ‘Malabar sea upwelling,’ where nutrient-rich deep water rises to the surface, promoting mackerel abundance along India’s southwest coast. Nutrient influx supports plankton growth, which attracts small fish and, subsequently, mackerel. Additionally, rainfall and temperature variations influence mackerel catches along the Malabar coast.
“Our research provides valuable insights for predicting mackerel aggregation areas by identifying key factors such as seawater temperatures at various depths, which helps optimize fishing operations and reduce fuel consumption,” says T.M. Balakrishnan Nair, INCOIS Group Director, Ocean Modelling Assimilation and Research Services Group. The research also explores the relationship between PFZ lines and mackerel landings along Karnataka and Kerala coasts.
INCOIS is also developing predictive models using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to further refine PFZ advisories. This approach will enhance recommendations for fishermen, improve mackerel catch rates, and inform policymakers on sustainable fishery management strategies.
The study, which involved scientists such as S. Jha, S.D. Sudhakar, and S. Joseph, has been published in the Journal of Marine Systems.
