Application of remote sensing in fisheries. In: Winter School on Impact of Climate Change on Indian Marine Fisheries held at CMFRI, Cochin 18.1.2008 to 7.2.2008

Abstract

Satellite oceanic remote sensing is now playing a very important role in India for fishery forecasting, research and management by providing synoptic oceanic measurements. These can be used for evaluating environmental effects, which ultimately affects the abundance and availability of fish populations. Indian seas, which have a coastline of 8118 km, an EEZ area of 2.02 million sq. km and a shelf area of 0.53 million sq. km (Anon, 2002), have multi species composition. It is a well known fact that changes in ocean conditions greatly influence the natural fluctuations of fish stocks. Hence the information on variations in ocean conditions is necessary to understand the influence they cause on fish stocks and their distribution. This knowledge will immensely help in formulating the best fishery management strategies and developing efficient harvesting methods for fishery resources.