Thu Jan 09 03:51:08 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra to Deploy Drones for Coastal Surveillance to Combat Illegal Fishing
**Mumbai, January 9, 2025** – Maharashtra will become the first Indian state to utilize drone technology for coastal surveillance, aiming to curb illegal fishing activities by trawlers from neighboring states. Nine drones will monitor seven coastal districts over the next eight years, covering 120 nautical miles per day each.
The initiative, to be launched Thursday by State Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, addresses the limitations of current manual surveillance methods. Officials say that trawlers from Gujarat, Karnataka, and Goa frequently enter Maharashtra’s territorial waters, depleting fish stocks and impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen.
“The drones will allow us to effectively monitor a much larger area than previously possible,” explained Assistant Commissioner Fisheries (Marine) Ajinkya Patil. “This will enable us to identify and take action against illegal activities such as bull trawling, line trawling, and the use of prohibited fishing methods.”
Joint Commissioner (Marine) Mahesh Deore highlighted the drones’ role in improving enforcement of the Maharashtra Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1981 (amended 2021), which imposes hefty fines (₹1 lakh to ₹20 lakh) for violations. The high-speed drones will capture images and registration numbers of offending vessels, facilitating swift action. The drones will also work in coordination with the Maritime Police department, strengthening maritime security. The project aims to protect sustainable fishing practices for traditional Maharashtra fishermen.
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