The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, jointly organized a regional-level user interaction meeting on ‘Ocean State Forecast and Marine Fishery Advisory Services’ at Thengaithittu fishing harbor, Puducherry.

The meeting was successful with 110 participants – including 90 active fishermen from three coastal districts, and key stakeholders from the Fisheries department, Indian Coast Guard, and Marine Police Department.

Dr. Velvizhi, Area Director, MSSRF, explained the INCOIS project’s purpose and implementation in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Resource persons Mr. Vignesh, Mr. Jeyakumar, and Mr. Thamizhzhagan provided detailed explanations of INCOIS services and MSSRF’s ‘Fisher Friend Programme.’

The fishermen expressed their overall satisfaction with INCOIS-MSSRF services and offered us the following suggestions –

• Wind and wave information updates every three hours
• Sea erosion predictions and projections
• Safety measures like focus lights and walkie-talkies
• Navigation assistance using Gagan and Navik systems
• Timely emergency assistance from the Coast Guard
• Raising awareness about government insurance schemes and benefits

These suggestions will help improve the services provided by INCOIS and help meet the fishing community’s evolving needs.

This even was effectively coordinated by the member of MSSRF Puducherry team – Ms. Girija and Mr. Lourdhusamy.