Using Geospatial to Identify Potential Fishing Zones

44 CASE STUDY Using Geospatial to Identify Potential Fishing Zones

Ocean data is one of the most sought information in the current geopolitical as well as economic sense. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences is responsible for ocean data collection in India.

It implements Ocean Observing System in the Indian Ocean region as per the operational oceanographic services. It also provides advisory to concerned stakeholders through the analysis of collected ocean data. One of the biggest aspects of the ocean is fishing, and with the data collected by INCOIS, identifying potential fishing zones, related advisory, and coastal forecasts can accelerate fishermen to make efficient choices in their ventures.

The ocean is vast, and subsequently, gigantic volumes of data are collected regularly both in real-time and offline by the INCOIS. This data is then processed and distributed to operational oceanographic services and aid oceanographic research. Through streamlining, the entire process can be made more efficient and accessible.

Objectives

1. To provide potential fishing zone advisories to enhance the lives and livelihoods of the fishermen community. 1. To provide ocean state forecasts to the stakeholders for safety at sea. 1. To provide ocean data services to a wide range of stakeholders, research organizations, academia, and coastal communities

1. Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisory service:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is extensively used in the operations of developing

PFZs, however, the mechanisms and analytical reports are too complex for a normal fisherman to understand. To make it comprehensible, the

GIS analysis and vector coverages are overlaid on base maps. Moreover, these PFZ maps are converted into PFZ text by creating a GIS model through near-point analysis. 1. Ocean state forecast: INCOIS generates ocean state forecasts using a suite of ocean numerical models, which are evaluated extensively using observations, especially indigenously developed real-time observational systems, customized to simulate, and predict the Indian Ocean features accurately. Forecasts of ocean parameters such as waves, swells, currents, Sea Surface

Temperature, Mixed Layer Depth, Tides, etc. are generated. 1. Digital Ocean Platform: The ‘Digital Ocean’ platform of INCOIS is a one-stop solution for all their ocean data-related needs and has brought a sea-change in improving our understanding of oceans. It also plays a central role in the sustainable management of oceans and expanding the country’s ‘Blue Economy’ initiatives. 1. Web-Based Service: INCOIS also provides web-based services that are augmented with

GIS technologies and frameworks to serve ocean data, information, and advisory services such as potential fishing zone, ocean state forecast, Indian Argo, Indian Ocean Global Ocean

Observing System, etc. to all stakeholders and the global community.

Solutions

Outcomes achieved

INCOIS services enabled the users to take appropriately informed decisions based on the forecast of sea state conditions, saving life and property. The service is useful for enhancing the livelihood of fishermen’s communities and adding a value chain to the sea-based food supply to the nation. The service has a huge impact on marine operationsalong the shipping routes to various seafarers.