India to launch e-observer system for remote monitoring of fishing
Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi virtually inaugurating global workshop on species identification organized by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and Fishery Survey of India (FSI).
In a big push to strengthen its fisheries data management system, India will soon come up with an onboard electronic observer system for remote monitoring and recording of marine fish catch beginning with longline vessels.
Announcing the plan, Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi said that the advanced technology is in pipeline aiming at accurate scientific data for stock assessment and management by observing fishing operations across various vessel types.
Fisheries Secretary was virtually inaugurating a five-day global workshop on species identification organised by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and Fishery Survey of India (FSI).
Electronic monitoring and efficient data collection on tuna and tuna-like fish catches and fishing activities are critical to improve the management of these fisheries in accordance with the IOTC guidelines, which mandates observer coverage and electronic monitoring. The e-observer is being developed by the FSI, under the Fisheries Ministry.
Apart from a conservation tool, science-backed credible data are India’s strongest defence against non-tariff barriers and allegations, the Secretary said. “It is the passport that secures our access to international markets and protect our fishers and exporters from trade challenges by ensuring them a level playing field in export markets,” Likhi added.
On government’s intervention in this direction the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Secretary said that nearly 36,000 fishing vessels have been equipped with transponders for real-time monitoring.
Since tunas, tuna-like species and pelagic sharks are highly migratory resources, India is committed to join hands for a regional and international cooperation in data collection and management, Likhi said, adding that the country would take steps for long-term sustainability of its fisheries while protecting the livelihoods of millions dependent on the sector.
Flagging concern on existing global quota allocation system for commercial tuna fishing, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Director Grinson George stressed the need for revising the system to ensure a higher, unbiased quota for developing nations like India. He emphasised the need for a well-developed cold chain infrastructure to boost tuna export, saying that this would enable the preservation of tuna quality, reduce spoilage and increase the competitiveness of Indian tuna in the global market.
This workshop will address the critical need for robust data collection and species identification to ensure reliable stock assessments in India’s tuna and allied species fisheries, said IOTC Secretariat Member Lauren Nelson.
Fisheries experts and officials from 12 nations, including Japan, France, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Africa and 18 officials from various coastal states of India are attending the workshop.
Published on September 29, 2025
