It will be especially helpful for the fishing community since it will spread advisories for potential fishing zones, which will direct people to potential fish aggregation locations.
‘SAMUDRA’ – Smart Access to Marine Users for Ocean Data Resources and Advisories is a new mobile application from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), which is part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It provides thorough information on all ocean-related services that is beneficial to both seafarers and the fishing community.
The mobile app provides users with up-to-the-minute information and life-saving alerts on oceanic emergencies like tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, and swell surge alerts, according to scientists at the institute, enabling individuals and communities to stay informed and take the appropriate safety measures to protect people and property.
As it disseminates Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, which will direct the fishing community to the likely regions of fish aggregation, it will be extremely helpful to the fishing community. About seven lakh fishermen across all the coastal states have access to INCOIS’ fishing zone and Ocean State Forecast (OSF) services via SMS messaging since long before the most recent app launch, according to the organization.
Fishermen can be directed to the areas where fish are most likely to congregate, maximizing capture rates and enhancing incomes. Through interactive sessions that have been held on both the East and West coasts, the institute has also been engaging with the public to promote the services. The workshops were held in Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Veraval (Gujarat), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Digha (West Bengal), and Chennai (Tamil Nadu) between July 7 and August 11, respectively.
The Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, shipping industries, marine boards, ONGC – Oil & Natural Gas Commission, and other public and private businesses are among those receiving OSF services. The five-day advanced OSFs will aid seafarers, fisherman, and coastal communities in the advance planning of their operations, minimizing risks and maximizing performance in light of foreseen ocean conditions. The experts added that the program includes interactive maps, charts, and animations to help users better understand complex maritime phenomena.
Using the SAMUDRA smartphone app, users may traverse the marine environment with confidence in their safety and successful fishing operations. It exemplifies the institute’s vision and objective to provide ocean data, information, and advisory services to the country. In order to advance the Blue Economy, it will catalyze sustainable ocean activities, according to INCOIS Director Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala.
While the app was initially released by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on July 27 to commemorate the 17th MoES Foundation Day, it will soon be available in eight coastal languages. You can presently download the app from https://incois.gov.in/samudra/. It will soon be accessible through the appropriate app stores.