Role of Technology in Modernizing the Fisheries Sector (GS Paper 3, Science & Technology)
In Focus
- A recent workshop at ICAR-CMFRI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute) in Kochi highlighted the transformative role of drone technology in the fisheries sector.
- This marks a key step towards modernizing the industry, which is crucial for food security, livelihoods, and economic growth in India.
Overview of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector
- The fisheries sector plays a vital role in providing nutrition, income, and employment to millions of people worldwide.
- Fish, rich in protein and essential fatty acids like omega-3, is a key component in combating malnutrition and hunger, particularly in developing countries.
- India is a global leader in this field, holding the position of the second-largest fish producer in the world, accounting for nearly 8% of global production.
- The country is also the top producer of farmed fish and ranks third in the world for capture fisheries.
- Notably, India is the world’s largest exporter of shrimp.
- Over the years, the growth in production has been impressive: fish production has surged from around 752,000 tonnes in 1950-51 to approximately 17.5 million tonnes in 2022-23.
- Similarly, aquaculture production has grown substantially, with inland fisheries and aquaculture output doubling since 2013-14 to 13.13 million tonnes.
Government Initiatives and Support
- The Government of India has been heavily investing in the modernization of this sector through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aims to boost sustainable and inclusive growth.
- This initiative focuses on enhancing the infrastructure, technology, and practices within the sector to improve productivity and sustainability.
- Additionally, investments in satellite-based monitoring and the introduction of innovative technologies like drones are being explored to improve operational efficiency.
Technological Advancements in Fisheries
The integration of modern technologies is revolutionizing various aspects of the fisheries value chain—from fishing and processing to marketing and distribution. Digital tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML), blockchain, and cloud computing are all contributing to the development of smarter, more efficient practices in the sector.
One of the most exciting innovations is drone technology, which has proven to be a game-changer in several areas, including:
- Water Sampling and Disease Detection: Drones can fly over water bodies to collect samples and help identify signs of disease in aquatic species.
- Feed Management and Aquaculture Monitoring: Drones help in monitoring fish farms, checking water quality, and optimizing feed distribution.
- Marketing and Distribution: Drones can assist in mapping out fishing areas and tracking catch movements, improving the logistics of seafood distribution.
Benefits of Technology in Fisheries
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity: With the help of technology, fishermen can now catch more fish with less effort, thus improving productivity while reducing time and resource consumption.
- Enhanced Safety: Real-time updates on weather conditions and sea states, delivered through technological platforms, enhance the safety of fishermen, especially during adverse conditions.
- Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses: Modern storage and transport technologies ensure better preservation of the catch, reducing spoilage and increasing the amount of seafood reaching consumers.
- Sustainability: Technologies like satellite-based monitoring and underwater drones allow for real-time monitoring of fish populations, helping prevent overfishing and encouraging more sustainable fishing practices.
- Economic Growth: Through better market access, improved efficiency, and enhanced productivity, technology is helping fishermen earn better incomes and participate more fully in the global seafood trade.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the promising potential of technology, the widespread adoption of modern innovations faces several hurdles:
- Slow Adoption and Development: While large-scale fisheries are increasingly adopting advanced technology, smaller, inshore fishers still rely on traditional, less efficient methods. The slow pace of technological integration remains a challenge.
- High Initial Investment Costs: The high cost of advanced fishing equipment and technology means that many small-scale fishermen cannot afford to adopt these tools, which could create a divide between large commercial fisheries and small, local fishers.
- Training and Skill Development: New technologies often require specialized training, and many fishers, particularly older generations or those in rural areas with limited literacy, may find it difficult to adapt.
- Environmental Impact: There are concerns that some technologies, if not managed carefully, may harm marine ecosystems. For example, over-reliance on automated systems could lead to unsustainable practices such as overfishing or habitat destruction.
- Technology Dependence: Over-dependence on technology could leave fishermen vulnerable in case of equipment failures or technological malfunctions, especially in remote areas where maintenance support may be limited.
Conclusion
- The potential for technology to modernize and enhance the productivity and sustainability of India’s fisheries sector is immense.
- However, to realize these benefits, it is important that the introduction of new tools and practices is carried out with a focus on cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and comprehensive training programs for stakeholders.
- For the sector to thrive in the long term, technological adoption must be accompanied by careful planning to address its potential risks.
- By ensuring that small-scale fishers have access to affordable technologies, offering training opportunities, and monitoring the environmental impact of new tools, India can take significant strides towards modernizing its fisheries sector, ensuring that it remains productive, sustainable, and resilient in the face of future challenges.
