India has unveiled a roadmap for technology-driven fisheries governance, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), satellite communication and digital traceability systems to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) and combat illegal fishing activities.
The roadmap was presented during a regional high-level policy meet on Artificial Intelligence in fisheries held in Mumbai. The two-day event was organised by Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation under the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME-II) Project.
The meeting brought together policymakers, fisheries administrators, international organisations and technology experts from India, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka, along with regional bodies including BIMSTEC, SAARC and SEAFDEC.
India highlights AI-led fisheries governance
Presenting India’s strategy Government of India, Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries, Dr Sanjay Pandey outlined several digital governance initiatives aimed at enabling AI-based fisheries management.
He said the government is positioning AI as a critical tool to tackle Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, improve fisher safety and create a transparent fisheries supply chain from catch to consumer.
A key highlight of the initiative is the nationwide expansion of the ReALCraft digital platform, a web-enabled system for registration and monitoring of fishing vessels. More than 2.25 lakh fishing vessels have already been registered under the platform across coastal states and Union Territories.
The platform enables real-time data sharing with maritime agencies, Aadhaar-based authentication and integration with DigiLocker.
The government also outlined future AI applications including vessel behaviour analytics, illegal fishing detection, catch traceability, predictive safety alerts and personalised advisories for fisherfolk.
Regional cooperation seen as critical
Addressing the workshop, Union Fisheries Joint Secretary Surabhi Rai said India has achieved substantial growth in fisheries production and exports, but governance challenges continue across thousands of landing centres and among millions of fishers.
AI and digital technologies can help bridge the gap between policy and enforcement while ensuring practical and inclusive solutions for small-scale fishers.
She also stressed the importance of regional cooperation among Bay of Bengal nations to address IUU fishing.
In his inaugural address, ICAR Deputy Director General Dr J.K. Jena highlighted the transformative role of AI across the fisheries value chain, from harvesting to consumer delivery.
The traceability, quality assurance and transparent seafood supply chains are becoming increasingly important to ensure safe and quality fish for consumers.
He added that technological innovation and investments are emerging as major drivers of sustainability, governance and competitiveness in the fisheries sector.
AI seen as emerging governance tool
Providing a global perspective, FAO Senior Fisheries Dr Rishi Sharma said AI is emerging as an important governance tool amid growing pressure on global fish stocks.
AI can help address information gaps through better monitoring, surveillance, stock assessment and decision-support systems, while cautioning that strong institutions and reliable data systems remain essential for effective governance.
Meanwhile, BOBP-IGO Director Dr P Krishnan said the Bay of Bengal supports the food security and livelihoods of nearly half a billion people.
AI offers significant opportunities to bridge information gaps in fisheries management, particularly in monitoring and surveillance of small-scale fisheries.
The workshop focused on AI applications in vessel surveillance, electronic monitoring, traceability, stock assessment, species identification and fisher advisory services. The deliberations are expected to contribute towards a regional roadmap for AI-enabled fisheries management under the BOBLME-II programme.