Traditional Knowledge Boosts Safety and Sustainability in India’s Marine Fisheries
In Kochi, experts gathered at a key workshop to discuss how coastal communities’ age-old wisdom can transform India’s marine fisheries. Held at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Thursday, the event focused on blending traditional insights with modern tech for safer seas and sustainable fishing practices.
The workshop featured lively panel talks on "Safety and Sustainability in Fisheries and Aquaculture" and "Impacts and Challenges of the Port and Shipping Sector." Marine experts highlighted how fishermen’s deep knowledge of the ocean can team up with tools like satellite modeling and remote sensing to deliver spot-on weather warnings and monsoon predictions. This combo could save lives at sea and help the fishing community thrive.
"Fishermen have passed down their sea smarts for generations—spotting wind shifts, ocean currents, and even sea swells to forecast weather and find fish," shared Dr. A. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), who kicked off the event. He praised Kerala’s famous "Khalasis," the skilled traditional boat builders who craft iconic "uru" vessels by hand, without plans or machines. Dr. Kumar urged documenting these techniques and merging them with today’s engineering to spark fresh ideas in boat design and maritime innovation.
A big red flag went up on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which experts called a huge danger to fish stocks and marine resources. Panelists pushed for cutting-edge monitoring tools to fight this issue and protect India’s rich ocean bounty.
Climate change is shaking things up too, with erratic monsoons, warmer seas, and disrupted ocean upwelling hitting fisheries hard. To tackle this, experts advocated a hands-on, community-led strategy. They suggested eco-friendly defenses like bio-fencing and bio-shielding to guard coastlines, ditching harmful concrete barriers that damage delicate ecosystems.
Plastic pollution in the ocean also sparked urgent talks. The group proposed launching a "Blue Brigade" of women from coastal areas to drive plastic-free campaigns. These women, who manage homes and spread community awareness, could lead the charge against marine plastic waste.
Overall, the discussions stressed pulling in fishermen, locals, and stakeholders for better policymaking and real action on marine conservation. The workshop, organized by Ocean Centres India, UN Global Compact Network India, and CMFRI, drew top voices like NIFPHATT Director Dr. Shine Kumar C.S., Dr. V.V.R. Suresh, Ratnesh Jha, Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey, Dr. Shoba Joe Kizhakudan, and Dr. Remya L.
This push for traditional knowledge in marine fisheries shows promise for a greener, safer future for India’s coastal heroes.
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