Centre plans to install trackers on fishing vessels

The Centre has decided to install transponders in fishing vessels across the country to help authorities track their movement in the sea, as well as alert fishermen when they enter they cross the international maritime boundary.

“We are going to start a national automated integration identification system. This is such a good system that, by installation of transponders, we can track vessels till 50 km distance into sea. It will blow a siren and alert fishermen if their vessel crosses the Indian boundary and enters Sri Lankan waters. This system is successfully being used off the Gujarat coast,” Swaraj told the House.

She also added that the Centre had simplified the procedure to issue deep fishing permits, which a fisherman can now acquire with the submission of his vessel’s registration number and fitness certificate.