**Executive Summary**
This document outlines the successful introduction of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to fishermen in Car Nicobar by the Central Island Technological Research Institute. The initiative, part of the Department of Science and Technology's SEED Division programme, aims to improve fishing efficiency and sustainability. Key outcomes include increased fish catches and income for fishermen, contributing to better nutrition and livelihoods.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **GPS Technology Adoption**
* Global Positioning System (GPS) devices have been introduced to fishers in Car Nicobar.
* The Central Island Technological Research Institute facilitated the introduction and adaptation of GPS devices for the local marine environment and fishing practices.
* This initiative was undertaken under the SEED Division programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
* **Fishermen Training and Support**
* Fishermen received training on GPS navigation and modern fishing techniques.
* Surveys were conducted to understand fishermen's needs and challenges to promote technology adoption.
* Technology adoption was promoted through the Tribal Council.
* **Impact on Fishing Practices and Livelihoods**
* GPS technology has revolutionized fishing by making it easier and quicker to locate optimal fishing grounds.
* This has significantly improved fishermen's ability to catch fish, leading to fuller nets.
* Daily catch volume has seen a substantial increase, averaging approximately 168% due to precise navigation and marking of productive grounds, even with reduced fishing time.
* **Socio-economic and Nutritional Benefits**
* Increased fish availability has led to improved nutritional intake for families and the community.
* Higher incomes have enabled better access to diverse food sources, contributing to improved health and nutrition.
* Some fishermen have expanded their sales to markets, thereby increasing their income.
* **Infrastructure and Resource Allocation**
* A Coastal fisheries information hub has been established at Car Nicobar Island.
* A total of 5 GPS devices were provided to tribal fishermen, with another 5 kept for common use.
**Impact Analysis**
**Fishermen of Car Nicobar**
* **Impact:** Improved efficiency in locating fishing grounds, leading to significantly increased fish catches (average 168% increase) and reduced fishing time. Enhanced income generation and improved nutritional intake due to increased fish availability.
* **Action Required:** Continue to utilize GPS devices for fishing operations and participate in ongoing training or support as offered.
**Central Island Technological Research Institute (CIARI)**
* **Impact:** Successful implementation of a technological intervention leading to positive socio-economic outcomes for a fishing community.
* **Action Required:** Continue monitoring the impact of GPS technology, provide ongoing support, and potentially scale up the initiative or replicate it in other communities.
**Department of Science and Technology (DST)**
* **Impact:** Successful execution of the SEED Division programme through the CIARI initiative, demonstrating the practical application of science and technology for community development.
* **Action Required:** Review the outcomes of the Car Nicobar project and consider further funding or support for similar initiatives.
**Local Communities in Car Nicobar**
* **Impact:** Increased availability of fresh protein and vital nutrients, contributing to improved community health and nutrition. Potential for economic benefits through expanded markets.
* **Action Required:** Benefit from the increased supply of fish and improved nutritional access.
**Tribal Council of Car Nicobar**
* **Impact:** Facilitated the adoption of new technology within the community.
* **Action Required:** Continue to support the use of GPS devices and promote the adoption of modern fishing practices among fishermen.
Key Entities Referenced
SEED Division programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST): This program is the initiative through which GPS devices were introduced and adapted for local marine and fishing practices.
Central Island Technological Research Institute: This institute introduced the GPS devices and adapted them for the local environment and fishing practices.
Car Nicobar Island: The primary location where the GPS technology has transformed the lives of the fishing community.
Dr. R Kiruba Shankar: Key individual associated with the project, providing contact information for further details.
GPS: Global Positioning System technology, central to the policy's impact on fishing practices and livelihoods.
Ministry of Science & Technology
GPS transforming fishing community lives in Car
Nicobar
Posted On: 03 MAR 2026 2:27PM by PIB Delhi
Global Positioning System (GPS) devices introduced to fishers in Car Nicobar, have enabled efficient and
targeted fishing for steadier supply of fish for local people.
This has not only increased their consumption of fresh protein and vital nutrients, but some of them like
Mr Junaid from Teetop village and Mr Abdul Sattar from Chuchucha village started selling their fish
catches in markets thereby increasing their income.
The life and livelihood of Nicobarese communities are traditional fishing. Their fishing techniques are
honed by experience but limited by the unpredictable nature of the sea and weather, as well as the lack of
precise navigation tools. Often, boats get lost due to weather disturbances, resulting in loss of productivity
and, at times, endangering lives.
In order to overcome this challenge, the Central Island Technological Research Institute has introduced
GPS devices and adapted them for use in the local marine environment and fishing practices under the
SEED Division programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Fishermen were trained on GPS navigation and modern fishing techniques to ensure that they could
effectively use the GPS devices, surveys were conducted to assess fishermen's needs and challenges and
facilitate technology adoption and adoption of the technology was promoted through the Tribal Council.
The introduction of GPS technology has revolutionized the way fishermen locate fishing grounds, making
it far easier and quicker for them to reach the best spots. With these devices in hand, their ability to catch
fish has greatly improved, leading to fuller nets and more nutritious meals for their families and wider
community.
A Coastal fisheries information hub has been established at Car Nicobar Island. A total 5 GPS devices
were provided to the tribal fishermen of Car Nicobar and another 5 GPS kept for the common use of
fishermen.
The efforts have led to a substantial increase in daily catch volume, with fishermen experiencing an
average increase of approximately 168% even with less time now spent fishing due to precise navigation
and marking of productive fishing grounds.
The increased fish availability has increased nutritional intake in families and the community. Higher
income has provided better access to diverse food sources, contributing to improved health and nutrition.
For more details contact Dr. R Kiruba Shankar at rkirubasankar[at]gmail[dot]com.****
NKR/FT
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