Satellites to Track Shifting Fish Populations as Climate Change Alters Oceans

Photo: IANS

Kochi: Satellite technology is emerging as an important tool for understanding how climate change is reshaping marine ecosystems, including the movement and distribution of fish populations. By tracking changes in ocean conditions, scientists hope to provide fishermen with better information about fishing grounds while supporting the sustainable management of marine resources.

The subject will feature prominently at an international symposium beginning in Kochi on Wednesday, where scientists from more than 30 countries will explore how satellite-based observations and climate research can help address emerging challenges in the fisheries sector.

The three-day TREVOR-SAFARI symposium, to be held at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), will focus on the application of advanced technologies in monitoring marine ecosystems and understanding environmental changes.

Satellite observations can provide valuable data on sea surface temperatures, ocean productivity and changes in fish distribution. By analysing these parameters, researchers can identify potential fishing zones and generate information that could help fishermen plan their fishing trips more efficiently, saving time and fuel.

The discussions will also examine the growing impact of climate change, changing monsoon patterns and extreme weather events on marine biodiversity and fish populations. Fluctuations in ocean temperatures and water quality can alter fish habitats and availability, creating uncertainty for fishing communities whose livelihoods depend on marine resources.

Scientists will explore strategies to make fisheries more sustainable, conserve marine biodiversity and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities against environmental changes. Another important area of discussion will be the integration of traditional knowledge held by fishing communities with modern scientific research.

The symposium will also highlight the contributions of women and marginalised communities to the fisheries sector, recognising the importance of inclusive approaches to marine resource management.

A special session supported by the Department of Biotechnology will focus on the use of remote sensing technology to assess and monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems. The session will adopt the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of environmental, animal and human health.

"The discussions primarily focus on better understanding of ocean conditions and improved environmental monitoring to ensure safer fishing, sustainable resources, seafood security and the long-term well-being of coastal livelihoods," CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George said.

More than 80 international delegates are expected to participate in the event, which is jointly organised by the Department of Chemical Oceanography of Cochin University of Science and Technology, the Trevor Platt Science Foundation, CMFRI and the Marine Biological Association of India.

A key outcome of the symposium will be the launch of the Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR), an initiative aimed at strengthening scientific collaboration among researchers working in the region.

The network is expected to encourage the exchange of research findings and promote coordinated efforts to understand changing ocean conditions and their implications for fisheries across the Bay of Bengal.

As climate change increasingly influences marine ecosystems, the use of satellite monitoring and collaborative scientific research could become crucial in helping fishing communities adapt to changing fishing patterns while ensuring the long-term availability of marine resources.