Drones to monitor illegal fishing along coastline, say officials

Maharashtra: The state is rolling out a new plan to tackle illegal fishing. Starting January 9, drones will be used to keep an eye on the coastline. This is a big deal for the Fisheries Department.

These drones will capture live footage from nine spots along the 720-km coastline. They’ll monitor up to 12 miles out to sea. The goal? To catch unauthorized fishing boats in the act. The data collected will help take legal action against those breaking the rules.

The launch will be overseen by Minister of State for Fisheries and Ports, Nitesh Rane. He’ll be watching the live feed from the Fisheries Commissioner’s Office. This system aims to cover the entire maritime area of Maharashtra, making it harder for illegal fishing to go unnoticed.

Devendra Tandel, who leads the Akhil Maharashtra Fishermen’s Action Committee, thinks this is a step in the right direction. He believes it could really help traditional fishermen who have been struggling due to illegal practices. However, he’s also worried about how effective the drones will be during the monsoon season.

Tandel pointed out that traditional fishermen face many challenges, like the use of illegal nets and boats operating without proper identification. He hopes this new system will bring some accountability and protect their livelihoods while ensuring sustainable fishing practices.