ICT for fisheries — Environment friendly way: Pilot experience in Raigadh

Fishing is the main occupation of the coastal population of 8000KM coastline of India. Most of the fishermen still use the traditional knowledge to catch the fishes, which is more or less a trial and error approach which leads to uncertainty in the catch and possibly heavy diesel consumption. About 1.2% of global oil consumption is used in fisheries, and it is found that fish catching is the main contributor to global warming in the fish production (Anon, 2012). In Indian Coast, Sea surface temperature increased by 0.2 to 0.3 degrees Celsius between 1960 and 2005 (Anon, 2011) which is projected to increase further by 2 to 3.5 degrees C by 2099 (Anon, 2011). Decline in fish catch and increase in fuel rate are two major concerns for fishermen today. Due to large and growing population and low lying coastline, Raigad district of Maharashtra is considered vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Though services like Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) and wind advisory are available, they do not reach to most of the fishermen because the current dissemination media through fax and electronic board depends on the electricity, requires maintenance and need skill to operate. Raigad district, where we implemented the solution, is most prone to electricity failure hence all the electronic devices fail to operate. ICT, specifically mobile phones and related applications has potential to overcome these challenges and bridge the gap between rural fishermen and research institute in fisheries domain. mKRISHI®-Fisheries' service is an initiative to empower fishermen society by providing the vital information like Probable Fishing Zone (PFZ), wind direction and wind speed on their mobile phone. PFZ information addresses their livelihood whereas wind speed / direction addresses their safety concerns. INCOIS analyzes the satellite images and come up with information on PFZ, wind speed, direction information 4 days in advance, 4 times a day. Fishermen leverage this information, in almost real time, to optimize their operation. The paper discusses the impact of mKRISHI®-Fisheries on fishermen and their livelihood. This service was been deployed initially with 13 Fishing societies in Raigad district on Maharashtra for about a year with participation from CMFRI, World Bank and TCS. By analyzing the pilot data it was found that the fishing yield has improved by ∼ (30–40%). Also diesel consumption, where ever applicable, was reduced by ∼ 30–50%. This resulted in a potential positive environmental impact. Now expansion of services is being continued in 56 societies in Raigad district.