British marine scientist advises India to use satellite technology to conserve marine ecology

India is yet to utilise the benefits of space applications to conserve the marine ecology of the country, according to a British marine scientist. “India should use remote sensing data to assess the potential of fisheries and to implement a sustainable fisheries management suitable to the country,” Trevor Platt said on Wednesday after inaugurating a training programme at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here. He opined that the marine scientists should think from the point of view of an ecologist to formulate effective management strategies for the fisheries sector in the country. “Indian fisheries sector is facing a number of challenges including the depletion of commercially important fish species,” he said, adding that the ecosystem based approach was essential for maintaining the sustainability of the fishery. The training programme is aimed at boosting the research base towards the development of an eco-friendly fishery management practices in the country. The programme, sponsored by National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), will provide the oceanographic and biogeochemical background required for the ecosystem based approach for fisheries management. IANS