Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Apr 24: Goa’s Fisheries Department is set to launch drone patrols along its 105?km coastline this fishing season, aiming to curb illicit practices and protect traditional fishing communities. Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar revealed that a two month pilot project is already underway with a specialised agency, focusing initially on a 12?km hotspot plagued by unauthorised incursions.

Equipped with high resolution cameras and GPS, the drones can survey up to 20?km offshore, streaming live feeds to onshore command centres. This real time oversight will enable rapid response to illegal activities—such as LED based night fishing and vessels poaching from neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra—and yield video evidence for prosecutions under the Marine Fishing Regulation Act.

“By harnessing drone technology, we’re modernising enforcement and safeguarding the livelihoods of our traditional fishermen,” Halarnkar explained. Plans are in motion to issue a formal tender for long term drone deployment, with future enhancements including AI powered software that autonomously flags suspicious behaviour.

Officials say this digital transformation represents a landmark step toward sustainable, tech driven marine management—ensuring Goa’s coastal ecosystem and its fishing heritage are both preserved for generations to come.