Sun Sep 14 01:43:36 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text, formatted in a journalistic style:

**Headline: Indian Scientists Develop Novel Ocean Monitoring System Using Fishing Boats**

**Chennai, September 14, 2025** – The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai has unveiled a groundbreaking, indigenously developed ocean observation system that utilizes fishing boats to collect real-time data even in shallow waters, including estuaries. This innovative approach promises to significantly enhance India’s understanding of its coastal ecosystems and contribute to climate change research.

The system, developed by a team led by S. Muthukkumaravel of NIOT’s Ocean Electronics Group, involves a specially designed, fish-head shaped towing profile attached to a winch. As the fishing boat moves at a controlled speed, the device is lowered into the sea, continuously recording water temperature, salinity, and depth.

“This technology allows us to profile the water column in a way that complements existing oceanographic measurements like moored buoys,” explained NIOT Director Balaji Ramakrishnan. “Unlike stationary buoys, this system moves and can reach depths of up to 150 meters, depending on the winch cable length.” He added that the data collected will be instrumental in improving climate change modelling and refining weather forecasting systems.

A key advantage of the NIOT’s system is its adaptability to fishing boats and trawlers, allowing for deployment in shallow coastal waters previously difficult to access. The probe automatically maintains a five-meter distance from the ocean floor using a built-in bathymetric device, ensuring minimal disturbance to the seabed and protecting the equipment.

NIOT plans to conduct comprehensive pre- and post-monsoon surveys along five major river mouths along the Tamil Nadu coast. Mr. Muthukkumaravel stated that the data gathered from these surveys will support ongoing initiatives in climate resilience, coastal ecosystem management, and marine health monitoring.

This development represents a significant step forward for India’s oceanographic research capabilities and highlights the potential of leveraging existing maritime infrastructure for scientific data collection. The system holds promise for improved understanding and management of India’s valuable coastal resources in the face of climate change.

Read More