Ocean info system in Tamil for fishermen launched

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information (INCOIS), a strategic partner of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) launched a 'Location Specific Ocean State Forecasting and Fishery Information System for Southern districts of Tamil Nadu' here on Tuesday.

This was also part of the 25th foundation day celebrations of the MSSRF.

Speaking at the event SC  Shenoi, Director, INCOIS, said that the deployment of a wave rider buoy at Vedarnayam would be the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu. “The system will provide real time information on waves, swell patterns and sea surface temperature,” he said

Shenoi  added that the information provided would prove vital for the fishing community.

The system will also forecast ocean state by providing images, movies, text information and real time sea conditions in Tamil.  A special feature of the system will be the SMS dissemination of real time ocean weather and ocean forecast, which will also be sent in Tamil.

The MSSRF, on its part, will lay special emphasis on the wave rider buoys by monitoring them regularly, facilitating deployment of the buoy and also organise user interaction and feedback meetings.

Shenoi explained that with the collaborated efforts of both INCOIS and MSSRF, the services were being made available for the fisherfolk. “Our main aim is to provide information on ocean research to the fisherfolk. This would directly help them in times of adverse situations as well,” he added.

MS Swaminathan, mentor, MSSRF, said it was time to empower individuals in order to achieve growth in a holistic manner. “The MSSRF, since its inception, has focused on providing empowerment on knowledge and skill levels. The main aim is to provide empowerment to marginalised families. Through this initiative, we seek to strive for the same,” he said.

Sartaj Aziz, former foreign minister of Pakistan, commended the work carried out by MSSRF. “Credit must be given to the MS Swaminathan’s vision and mission. It is the passion which drives him to translate his vision into action. He has truly transformed the face of Indian agriculture. Initiatives such as this is only possible due to the concerted efforts of such a person.”, he added

Sartaj Aziz also released the 22nd annual report of the MSSRF for the year 2011-12. Copies were received by Peter Kenmore, FAO representative in India, Mahendra Dev, director, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research,  M Syeduzzaman, chairman, Credit Rating Agency of Bangladesh, N Ram, director, Kasturi and Sons and Gopalkrishna Gandhi.