CHENNAI: Deep sea fishermen need not feel lost any longer. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed a satellite-enabled hi-tech communication device by which fishermen can stay connected up to 1,500 km from the shore without internet or tower connectivity.
The space agency is planning a commercial roll-out of the device in another couple of months and is popularising it among all coastal states.
The gadget, which will be fitted to the boats, will use NavIC (India’s own regional satellite navigation system) to lock the location of the boat and periodically update the location to the ground control room. Besides, the fishermen will receive text and video messages on ocean weather forecasts. If a low pressure area forms in the Bay of Bengal and is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm, fishermen will be alerted in advance to take preventive measures.
This holds immense significance as Tamil Nadu and Kerala fishermen are reeling from the wrath of cyclonic storm ‘Ockhi’, which has claimed hundreds of lives. Many are still reported missing.
Currently, there is no mechanism available by which fishers undertaking deep sea voyage for 10-15 days can get updates from the ground. They are literally at the mercy of nature.
ISRO chairman AS Kiran Kumar told Express that the project is being carried out in association with Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad and India Meteorological Department (IMD).
INCOIS will give information on ocean weather forecast, which will be disseminated to fishermen through NavIC in their regional language. A new mobile application has also been developed for the purpose.
“All that a fishermen has to do is to install the device in the boat and download the app in his mobile. The tracking device will transmit data to NavIC and alert the fisherman about potential risk through mobile. The pilot trails have already been completed,” he said.
Balakrishnan Nair, head, Ocean Science and Information Services, INCOIS, said an MoU has been signed with Kerala fisheries department and about 500 devices are being manufactured and sponsored by the space agency itself.
The devices will be distributed to the fishermen to get their feedback before going in for large-scale production.