India’s ideaForge Technology has partnered with Schnell Drone Technologies for a project being undertaken by the Department of Fisheries in Maharashtra. The initiative is a step in using drone technology to enforce the Maharashtra Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021, making it the first such deployment in India.
Spanning a coastline of 720 kilometres, this project deploys drones across seven key coastal districts of Maharashtra, including Palghar, Thane, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai City, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. As part of the agreement, ideaForge’s SWITCH UAVs are being deployed to ensure compliance with maritime regulations, protect marine ecosystems, and enable real-time monitoring of fishing vessels and detection of illegal activities. The project is set to run for an initial duration of eight years.
Commenting on the collaboration, Vishal Saxena, VP Business Development, ideaForge Technology Limited, said, “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.”
This initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of leveraging technology for sustainable fisheries management. Drones are now pivotal in managing aquaculture farms, assessing fisheries infrastructure, and enhancing disaster response efforts. These efforts resonate with the Union government’s mission to create 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages, reflecting the integral role of technology in building resilient communities.
“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 unauthorised boats can evade capture. Drones will address this by enabling faster, more efficient patrolling, collecting real-time evidence, and covering multiple areas simultaneously. This will streamline the identification of unauthorised fishing activities and facilitate strict action under maritime law. Additionally, in coordination with the Marine Police Department, drones will enhance coastal monitoring and strengthen maritime security across the state.”
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