SCIENCE

Fishing boats get transponders with ISRO help 

  • The project envisages installing 5,000 transponders on boats in the State and is funded by the Government of India.
  • Tamil Nadu is the first State in the country to get the equipment.
  • Around 600 boats in the Kasimedu fishing harbour have been fitted with two-way communication transponders with technology developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • These transponders will come in handy in case of emergencies and will allow the boat owners, the Fisheries department control room and other agencies like the Coast Guard to known the whereabouts of the vessel. 

About

  • The equipment allows two-way text communication via GSAT6 Satellite.
  • Mobile applications have been developed for android phones/tablets for use by the fishermen on board and for the owners.
  • If a cyclone warning has been issued and the information has to be sent to them.

Note

  • The device was fixed in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu on a trial basis in 2017.
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