Drones Enhance Fisheries Surveillance in Maharashtra

Cutting-Edge UAV Technology Strengthens Marine Resource Protection

The Department of Fisheries in Maharashtra has launched an innovative fisheries surveillance project, marking the first drone-based enforcement initiative of its kind in India. Collaborating with ideaForge Technology Limited and Schnell Drone Technologies Ltd., the project leverages advanced UAV technology to monitor and protect the state’s marine resources along its 720-kilometer coastline.

Supporting Sustainable Fisheries Management

The initiative enforces the Maharashtra Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021, and focuses on safeguarding traditional fishing communities while deterring illegal fishing activities. Drones deployed in seven coastal districts—Palghar, Thane, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai City, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg—enable real-time monitoring of fishing vessels and identify unauthorized activities.

“The drone monitoring project aims to effectively enforce the Maharashtra Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021, safeguarding the interests of the traditional fishing community while preventing illegal fishing by migrant fishermen,” said Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane. “Manual inspections by patrol vessels are often challenging, as unauthorized boats can evade capture. Drones will address this by enabling faster, more efficient patrolling, collecting real-time evidence, and covering multiple areas simultaneously.”

The drones will also assist the Marine Police Department in enhancing coastal monitoring and maritime security. The project is scheduled to run for eight years and supports India’s broader vision for sustainable fisheries management.

Advanced UAVs Transform Surveillance

ideaForge’s SWITCH UAVs, known for their precision and durability, form the backbone of the project. Commenting on the initiative, Vishal Saxena, VP Business Development at ideaForge, stated: “We are proud to lead this groundbreaking initiative, which highlights the transformative potential of indigenous drone technology in addressing critical challenges in fisheries management. This partnership not only showcases the power of innovation to enable sustainable practices but also ensures accountability while safeguarding our vital marine resources. Looking ahead, as the Department of Fisheries expands its focus to include coastline mapping, we are excited about the pivotal role our advanced UAVs will play in enhancing surveillance capabilities and supporting this forward-thinking vision.”

Building Resilient Coastal Communities

This initiative aligns with the Union government’s mission to create 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages. Drones are increasingly integral to managing aquaculture farms, assessing fisheries infrastructure, and improving disaster response. These technologies play a vital role in supporting sustainable practices and protecting marine ecosystems.

For more details on the project, visit ideaForge Technology Limited’s fisheries solutions page.

About ideaForge Technology Limited

ideaForge Technology Limited is a prominent provider of unmanned aircraft systems, specializing in security, mapping, and disaster response applications. With over 600,000 successful flights, the company continues to innovate and expand its UAV solutions. For more information, visit www.ideaforgetech.com.

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Read more:

• ideaForge Reaches 550,000 UAV Flights, Driving India’s Drone Manufacturing Goals
• ideaForge’s Q6 V2 Receives DGCA Certification, Enhancing UAV Capabilities
• This Indian Drone is Built Like a Bird, Tested Like a Tank: IdeaForge SWITCH