In a historic move to commemorate India’s remarkable achievement in space exploration, the Government of India has declared August 23rd as National Space Day. This day marks the successful soft landing of the Vikram Lander and the deployment of the Pragyaan rover near the Moon’s South Pole by the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This achievement has placed India among an elite group of spacefaring nations, making it the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to do so near its South Pole.
Celebrations have been taking place across the country throughout July and August 2024, with the aim of inspiring the younger generation to pursue careers in space science and technology. The highlight of these celebrations will be the event hosted at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi tomorrow, organized by the Department of Fisheries. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh will grace the occasion, along with Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P Singh Baghel, and Shri George Kurian, Secretary, Department of Fisheries Dr. Abhilaskh Likhi, and other dignitaries.
In honor of the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s success, the Department of Fisheries is organizing a series of seminars and demonstrations across 18 coastal states and Union Territories. These sessions will focus on the “Application of Space Technologies in the Fisheries Sector.” Under the guidance of Dr. Abhilaskh Likhi, these events will cover a wide range of topics, including the overview of space technology in fisheries, communication, and navigation systems for the marine domain, and the impact of space-based observation on improving the fisheries sector.
The seminars will see participation from various stakeholders, including the Department of Space, INCOIS, New Space India Ltd., Fishermen, Sagar Mitras, FFPOs, Fisheries Cooperatives, ICAR Fisheries Research Institutes, State/UT Fisheries Departments, and students from fisheries universities and colleges. The events will be conducted in a hybrid mode to ensure widespread participation.
Space technologies have already brought transformative changes to India’s marine fisheries management and development. Technologies such as Satellite Remote Sensing, Earth Observations, Satellite-based Navigation Systems, GIS, Satellite Communication, Data Analytics, and AI are playing a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and safety of fishing operations. Satellites like Ocean-sat and INSAT monitor ocean color, chlorophyll content, and sea surface temperature to identify potential fishing grounds, detect phytoplankton blooms, sediment, and pollutants for understanding ocean health. Earth Observations from satellites like INSAT and Ocean-sat help monitor ocean currents, waves, and extreme weather hazards, optimizing fishing operations and ensuring safety.
Satellite-based Navigation Systems and GIS are being used to track fishing vessels with NavIC-enabled GNSS, and map marine habitats, fishing grounds, and protected areas. Satellite Communication is enabling real-time data exchange between vessels, shore-based stations, and research institutions, thereby improving maritime domain awareness, safety, and the livelihood of fishermen. Data Analytics and AI are helping predict fish distributions, detect anomalies, and optimize fisheries management using data from various sources. These advanced systems not only enhance safety at sea through satellite monitoring but also detect illegal activities, support aqua mapping, and offer disaster warnings.
As India celebrates its National Space Day, the nation reflects on its growing capabilities in space technology and its potential to transform various sectors, including fisheries. This day not only honors the success of Chandrayaan-3 but also inspires future generations to explore the limitless possibilities of space science and technology.
