KOCHI: Drones will be a game changer in the fisheries sector, providing a tool to address critical challenges with precision and efficiency, Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian said on Friday.

Inaugurating an awareness workshop on drone applications in fisheries sector at Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi, he said drones can play a pivotal role in aquaculture farm management , monitoring fish markets and assessing damage to fishing infrastructure, particularly during natural disasters when relief operations are essential.

“Underwater drones can help monitor the behavior of fish in their natural habitats, detect signs of distress such as irregular swimming patterns, and provide real-time data to strengthen sustainable fisheries management,” he said. said George Kurian. He said the Union government would launch a project to develop 100 climate-resilient coastal fishing villages across the country.

The initiative will help strengthen the economic resilience of coastal fishing communities to the challenges of climate change. “The state government has allocated Rs 2 crore per village under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for the development of essential infrastructure and facilities for fisheries.

The initiative will be fully funded by the Union Government and aims to support sustainable economic and livelihood opportunities for fishermen, strengthen infrastructure and increase resilience to climate threats,” the minister said.

The initiative will provide facilities such as fish drying areas, processing centers, fish markets and emergency relief facilities, as well as promoting climate resilient practices such as seaweed cultivation, artificial reefs and green fuel initiatives, said George Kurian.

He said the Union government had decided to install transponders in one lakh fishing boats this year at an estimated cost of `364 crore. This will facilitate two-way communication, enabling real-time tracking of fishing vessels and helping fishermen send short messages using their smartphones while fishing up to 200 nautical miles from the coast.