Satellite Transponders to Boost Fishermen’s Safety at Sea

The state government is distributing free satellite transponders to fishermen to provide alerts on adverse weather, cyclones, accidents and accidental entry into neighbouring countries’ waters.

Social welfare minister Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy distributed the devices to fishermen at Singarayakonda on Tuesday under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The transponders, fitted on boats and connected to fishermen’s smartphones through Bluetooth, enable them to receive emergency alerts and send SOS messages directly to control rooms for rescue assistance.

The minister said the government would soon distribute quality life jackets to all fishermen. He also highlighted welfare measures, including `20,000 assistance during the fishing ban period, pensions from 50 years of age, and subsidised nets and boats.

For families of fishermen who go missing at sea, the government was expediting death certificates and providing pensions and accident assistance. Steps were also being taken to facilitate dedicated diesel bunks for fishermen to access subsidies.

Swamy announced a modern fish market at Singarayakonda and permanent housing facilities for the local Yanadi community. He said fisheries development boards would be established at Visakhapatnam and Bhimavaram to strengthen the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, while coastal areas would be developed for tourism.