India is poised to emerge as a global leader in aquatic disease surveillance by harnessing the potential of drones and remote sensing technology, according to Kenton L Morgan, former professor of epidemiology at the University of Liverpool. Speaking at the AquaEpi III conference in Lucknow, organized by the International Society of Aquatic Animal Epidemiology, Morgan highlighted India’s substantial investments, trained scientific workforce, and high aquatic animal production capacity.
The application of drones and remote sensing technology in the aquaculture sector can revolutionize disease surveillance in fish and other aquatic animals. Morgan emphasized that India, being the second-largest country globally in terms of aquatic animal production after China, possesses the necessary resources and expertise to lead in this critical field.
In addition to disease surveillance, Morgan suggested the incorporation of advanced technologies such as quantum computers, big data analysis, remote sensing, and machine learning in India’s aquaculture sector. These technologies can play a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Morgan underscored the potential use of satellite-based technologies to locate aqua farmers and ponds, a practice already underway in Taiwan, China, and Japan on an experimental basis. The ability to pinpoint farming locations through satellite technology contributes to improved monitoring and management practices.
The AquaEpi III conference witnessed the participation of 24 internationally renowned experts and scientists, who shared insights and experiences to address current challenges in aquatic animal health. The collaborative effort between the National Fisheries Development Board and the Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Society aimed to provide recommendations for disease risk reduction and sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector.
Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director of ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), highlighted the conference’s objective of delivering pertinent recommendations for the aquaculture sector’s sustainable development. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General at ICAR, and Edgar Brun, Director at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, also emphasized the crucial role of epidemiology in aquaculture diversification and development.
