Chennai: Telangana Governor and Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan emphasized the importance of extending ocean information and advisory services to every small and marginal fisherman across the country. The governor made these remarks during the inauguration of a Mega Awareness Campaign on Ocean Information and Advisory Services in Chennai, organized by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in collaboration with the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).
During the event, Governor Soundararajan commended the efforts of eight fisher friend master trainers from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in raising awareness about the Fisher Friend Mobile Application (FFMA). FFMA, an Android-based application, provides real-time information on ocean state forecasts and weather forecasts to fishermen, aiding them in making informed decisions before setting sail.
The governor, while exploring the stalls at the Mega Awareness Campaign, engaged with fisherwomen and took a particular interest in initiatives related to ghost (fishing) gear and dry fish, which contribute to enhancing livelihood security for coastal women.
Attended by approximately 300 fishermen and women from nine coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the event showcased the widespread use of the Fisher Friend Mobile Application by over one lakh small and marginal fishermen along the east coast of India.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairwoman of MSSRF, highlighted the Fish for All Research and Training Centre at Poompuhar, initiated after the 2004 tsunami. The centre focuses on strengthening the capacities of fishermen and women from coastal communities, emphasizing natural resource management, sustainable livelihood options, and disaster preparedness and management.
