Mira Bhayandar: In a significant stem having a dual-objective including- keeping a tab on illegal fishing activities and enhancing marine security, the state fisheries department has launched artificial intelligence (AI) powered drones along the state's coastline in seven districts including Uttan in Thane district.
Nine drones were simultaneously launched by minister for fisheries and ports- Nitesh Rane from the office of the fisheries department in Mumbai on Thursday. While two units each have been deployed for jetties in Revdanda, Shrivardhan (Raigad), Mirkarwada, Sakhari-Nate (Ratnagiri) and a unit each for- Shirgaon (Palghar), Gorai (Mumbai Suburban), Sasoon Dock (Mumbai city), Uttan (Thane) and Devgad (Sindhudurg).
The respective offices of the fisheries department will house the digital data maintenance mechanism (control room) of the high-tech surveillance system.
The drones will map fishing boats to identify and report the presence of illegally operating ones while monitoring up to 12 nautical miles and a 720-km stretch of the coastline, providing real-time data for effective surveillance.
“The drones which will be connected to the fisheries department office at Velankani (Uttan) will conduct aerial monitoring around the coastline, collect real-time data and share it with security agencies for action against illegal activities.” said Pawan Kale an official who is attached to the license wing of the fisheries department in Uttan.
Appreciating, minister Nitesh Rane’s move, local fishing community leader- Leo Collaso said, “This was a much-needed step as the traditional fishermen were on the verge of losing their only livelihood owing to various types of destructive methods and apparatus like-purse seine nets, submerged light-emitting diode (LED) lights and bull trawling by illegally operating fishing vessels and trawlers. The drones have ignited hope that such fishing activities which harm the marine ecosystem will be spotted and taken to task.”
“Although authorities keep guard in patrolling vessels, manual inspection is a herculean task due to which unauthorised boats escape easily. The drone-based surveillance system will now help in preventing illegal fishing while effectively implementing the state’s Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021.” said Renold Bechari.
The respective offices of the fisheries department will house the digital data maintenance mechanism (control room) of the high-tech surveillance system. The drones will map fishing boats to identify and report the presence of illegally operating ones while monitoring up to 12 nautical miles and a 720-km stretch of the coastline, providing real-time data for effective surveillance.
