The state government is making preparations to provide owners of all motorized and mechanized fishing boats with transponders developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at no cost. This announcement was made during a seminar held on Friday by the Fisheries Survey of India (FSI) in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries Department. The distribution of these transponders is set to coincide with the National Space Day celebrations on August 23, showcasing how space technology can be utilized to benefit the fisheries industry.
During the seminar, district collector M.N. Harendira Prasad highlighted that once installed on fishing vessels, these transponders will improve the safety of fishermen, particularly in challenging sea conditions and adverse weather. FSI joint director D. Bami Reddy elaborated that the transponders will offer vital weather information to fishermen and can serve as a means of communication during emergencies, aiding in contacting the Coast Guard for assistance.
Bami Reddy explained to Deccan Chronicle that fishermen on boats facing difficulties can activate the transponder’s alarm system to signal for rescue. To ensure efficient use of the transponders, all boat owners will receive training on August 23, National Space Day. Notable attendees at the seminar included junior fisheries scientist G.V.A. Prasad, Avental senior engineer Gajanan Prasad Yadav, and DISAC Ahmedabad scientist G. Sai Ramakrishna.
Leave a comment