MUMBAI
More than 200 coastal fisherpersons in Maharashtra were introduced to vital information services and technologies during the ‘Mega Awareness Campaign on Ocean Information and Advisory Services’. The event, aimed at strengthening their livelihoods, was held in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and Reliance Foundation organised the event. Its significance lies in the climate challenges that have been impacting fish catch in the state’s coastal waters and the growing need to bridge information gaps essential for marine fisherpersons.
T Srinivas Kumar, Director of INCOIS, praised the collective efforts of INCOIS and Reliance Foundation. He stated, “This campaign has effectively highlighted the critical role our oceans play in supporting economic growth and has helped advance the concept of the Blue Economy.”
Jagannatha Kumar, CEO of Reliance Foundation, elaborated on India’s position as the third-largest fish producer in the world. He emphasised the government’s commitment through PMMSY to further the Blue Revolution. He also highlighted the ‘Machli’ app and Reliance Foundation’s partnership with INCOIS in assisting the marine fishing community to adapt to climate challenges.
The event also featured key figures from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), NETFISH-MPEDA, Fishery Survey of India, Reliance Foundation, and the Mangrove Foundation. They addressed key concerns in the fisheries sector.
A stakeholder consultation was held to gather feedback from fisherpersons using INCOIS and Reliance Foundation’s information services, further solidifying their commitment to strengthening these services.
Reliance Foundation reaches nearly 25% of India’s active marine fisherperson families across eight states in collaboration with INCOIS. The Foundation has been translating complex scientific information into locally relevant advisories to help fisherpersons with life-saving information and identify suitable fishing zones.
Additionally, Reliance Foundation has supported women in availing schemes to boost returns from fish production and other high-value fishing activities. Their ground-level work enables them to partner holistically with scientific institutions to enhance information generation.
This campaign, part of a series by INCOIS to mark Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, not only brought attention to the important role of oceans in the economy but also demonstrated a successful collaboration between a leading business foundation and governmental body, both working together for the sustainable future of the fishing community in India.