A drone-based surveillance system for monitoring fishing activities along the coastline of Maharashtra is set to be launched by the state government on January 9. The initiative has been designed to address illegal fishing practices and strengthen the implementation of the Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021. By incorporating advanced technology, the program aims to streamline the regulation of fishing vessels and enhance maritime security.
Nine drones have been acquired on lease for deployment in seven maritime districts. It has been reported that Raigad and Ratnagiri will each receive two drones, while Palghar, Thane, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai City, and Sindhudurg will each be assigned one. Operations for the system will be coordinated through a control room established at the office of the Commissioner of Fisheries. Challenges faced by traditional patrol boats in monitoring fishing vessels are expected to be mitigated by the introduction of drones. It has been observed that unauthorized boats often evade capture, making enforcement efforts difficult. The drones will address this gap by mapping fishing vessels and capturing real-time evidence of illegal activities, thereby enabling stricter implementation of maritime laws.
The Marine Fishing Regulation Act has been intended to protect the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities while preventing unauthorized fishing activities by migrant operators in state waters. The surveillance system is also expected to support the safety and security of Maharashtra’s coastal regions. The state’s fisheries department has noted that the drones will patrol up to 12 nautical miles from the shoreline, covering the extensive 720-kilometer coastline.
In preparation for the rollout, drone demonstrations were conducted across several locations, including Shirgaon in Palghar, Uttan in Thane, Gorai in Mumbai Suburban, Sassoon Dock in Mumbai City, Rewdanda and Shrivardhan in Raigad, Mirkarwadi and Sakhrinate in Ratnagiri, and Devgad in Sindhudurg. These trials have showcased the efficiency of drones in patrolling vast areas and collecting actionable data.
The use of drones is expected to facilitate closer collaboration with the Marine Police Department, ensuring improved surveillance and maritime safety. With real-time streaming of activities, evidence regarding unauthorized fishing boats will be strengthened, making enforcement more effective. Through this initiative, the Maharashtra Government is taking a significant step toward modernizing coastal management and safeguarding marine resources.
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