Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Feb 25: Scientists and members of the fishing community came together on Tuesday at the fourth World Ocean Science Congress in Panaji to explore the features of ‘Machli’, a marine advisory mobile application designed to help fishermen locate shoals of fish and navigate changing ocean conditions.
The app, developed by a Mumbai-based private foundation using scientific inputs from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), integrates satellite-based marine intelligence with a simplified, multilingual interface tailored for India’s coastal communities.
Officials said the platform uses data such as sea surface temperature and oceanographic conditions to identify potential fishing zones (PFZs). “The PFZ feature helps fishermen identify areas where fish are likely to be found,” said S Senthilkumaran, head of platforms and applications at the foundation.
Every fish species responds to specific sea temperatures and marine conditions. Based on these scientific parameters, INCOIS identifies zones where fish are likely to aggregate. The data is accessed through an API and presented in an easy-to-understand format for fishermen.
The PFZ feature provides three distance options — 20 km, 50 km and 100 km — enabling fishermen to plan voyages based on vessel capacity and fuel availability. While the current version identifies fishing zones, developers are working on incorporating species-specific information in future updates.
In addition, the app offers real-time and forecast data on weather conditions, including wind speed, wave height, sea currents and cyclone alerts. By activating GPS location services, fishermen can receive hyperlocal forecasts based on their departure point and intended route — a feature considered crucial during sudden weather changes.
An SOS emergency function is built into the app, allowing users to quickly contact assistance services if required.
Recognising connectivity challenges at sea, developers have enabled offline access. Fishermen can download PFZ data while within network coverage and use it later without internet access.
The app is free and currently available in 10 official Indian languages, though Konkani has not yet been included. Developers noted that while several marine advisory platforms exist, many are paid services or limited in linguistic accessibility.
Beyond marine advisories, the app also provides state-wise information on government schemes for fishermen. A built-in helpline and feedback mechanism allows users to submit grievances and suggestions directly through the platform.