The Central Government has unveiled a technology-driven roadmap integrating Artificial Intelligence, satellite communication and digital traceability systems to strengthen monitoring and surveillance in the fisheries sector.
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The Central Government has unveiled a technology-driven roadmap integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), satellite communication and digital traceability systems to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) in the fisheries sector.Aimed at curbing illegal fishing and improving seafood quality, the roadmap was presented at a regional high-level policy meet on AI in fisheries held in Mumbai.Regional meet focuses on AI-driven fisheries governanceThe two-day meet was organised by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation under the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project.The event brought together policymakers, fisheries administrators, international organisations, and technology experts from India, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, along with regional bodies such as BIMSTEC, SAARC, and SEAFDEC, to discuss the role of AI in fisheries governance.Government plans AI-enabled monitoring and vessel trackingSanjay Pandey, Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries, outlined a series of digital governance initiatives that are laying the foundation for AI-enabled fisheries management. The government is positioning AI as a key tool to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, improve fisher safety and build a transparent fisheries supply chain from catch to consumer.A major highlight is the nationwide expansion of the ReALCraft digital platform, a web-enabled system for registration and monitoring of fishing vessels. According to the presentation, more than 2.25 lakh fishing vessels have already been registered under the system across all coastal states and Union Territories.The government also highlighted future applications of AI in vessel behaviour analytics, detection of illegal fishing activities, catch traceability, predictive safety alerts and personalised advisories.Experts stress traceability and regional cooperationUnion Fisheries Joint Secretary Surabhi Rai said India has achieved significant growth in fisheries production and exports, but governance challenges remain in monitoring fishing activities across thousands of landing centres and among millions of fishers.She said AI and digital technologies could help bridge the gap between policy and enforcement, while stressing the need for practical and inclusive solutions that also benefit small-scale fishers. Rai also underlined the importance of regional cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries to tackle IUU fishing.Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Deputy Director General J.K. Jena said AI can play a transformative role across the fisheries value chain, from harvest to consumers. He highlighted the importance of traceability, quality assurance, and transparent seafood supply chains in ensuring safe, high-quality fish for consumers. Rishi Sharma, Senior Fisheries Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), said AI is emerging as an important governance tool for fisheries management amid growing pressure on global fish stocks.AI seen as key to sustainable fisheries managementBOBP-IGO Director P. Krishnan said the Bay of Bengal supports the food security and livelihoods of nearly half a billion people and that AI offers significant opportunities to bridge information gaps in fisheries management, particularly in monitoring, control and surveillance of small-scale fisheries.Published on May 29, 2026
