PANAJI
In a first-of-its-kind initiative for Goa, the State government on Monday launched Matsya Sandhan Kshetram, a satellite-based Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) guidance application designed exclusively for the State's fishing community to help fishermen identify productive fishing grounds before venturing into the sea.
The application, developed by Goa University using satellite observations and oceanographic data, identifies areas where fish are more likely to aggregate by analysing sea surface temperature, ocean colour, chlorophyll concentration and ocean fronts. It also provides a seven-day marine forecast covering wave height, wind and other sea conditions, enabling fishermen to plan safer and more efficient fishing trips.
Launching the app, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the initiative demonstrates how research institutions can develop practical solutions to address local challenges. He urged universities to reduce the government's dependence on external consultants by creating technology tailored to the State's needs.
"Research must never remain confined to laboratories. Its true value lies in improving people's lives," Sawant said, adding that the technology would reduce search time, cut fuel consumption, lower operational costs and improve catch quality. He said such innovations could strengthen Goa's ambitions in the Blue Economy.
During the occasion, an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Goa University and the Directorate of Fisheries was also signed to facilitate awareness programmes and training for fishermen with regards to the use of app.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said the application would provide scientific guidance to thousands of fishing families facing rising fuel costs, fluctuating catches and changing ocean conditions. He urged fishermen to use the app along with official weather advisories and their own experience.
Goa University Vice-Chancellor Prof Harilal Menon said the app is powered by the university's Goa University Case 2 Water Algorithm (GC2), developed after years of research into Goa's coastal waters.
Available in Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English, the application is currently accessible only to Goa-registered mobile numbers and is expected to evolve into a blue-tech startup through the Goa University Research Park Unit.
