Territorial knowledge of the traditional fishing communities has been an invaluable support to fishermen in carrying out their work.
They have an interesting traditional mapping denoting not only areas of availability of fish but also of danger, potential coupled with danger, threat to boat and fishing net, all in typical local language.
While the traditional knowledge is yet to be put to good use syncing it with tools like geographic information system (GIS mapping), dwindling fish catch has been a worrying factor to the fishermen of late.
Modern forecasts go beyond their fishing territory. For instance, Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) forecasts potential fishing zones beyond 50 km.
Besides, fishermen are also unaware of the boundaries mentioned in various regulations and refer to the sea surface with landmarks and depth with fathoms (“baralu.”)
There is a need to use the traditional knowledge and prepare maps to benefit fishermen who go up to 10 km or at the most up to 15 km in small boats, says P. Sivaramakrishna, Director of SAKTI, an NGO.
The traditional maps not only identify the variety of fish available at a particular location but also guide the fishermen on the seascape by warning of rocks, stumps and other potential traps that could rock the boats or damage their nets.
The Centre for Innovative Policy Studies (CIPS), a Government of India organisation, in Hyderabad that addresses policy gaps and encourages innovative practices, brought together traditional fishermen and experts from INCOIS and remote sensing agencies and biodiversity in a workshop. Dr. Sivaramakrishna presented the traditional maps like the Pentakota marine map prepared through participatory rural appraisal exercise.
On a suggestion from the scientists, it has been decided that on a pilot basis, high resolution maps for specific area can be developed by INCOIS and the A.P. Space Applications Centre.
The location-specific knowledge of the community can be recorded on the map and it can be related to advisory services. The exchange and validation process should continue at least for two years to synergise.
To take forward the project, Dr. Hanumantha Rao, a consultant of the National Remote Sensing Centre, Dr. Murthy Naidu of EPTRI and Dr. Sivaramakrishna will prepare the methodology to form a grid of the locations so as to get the information via satellite and convey it to the fisher-folk. It enables the community to validate information passed on to them.
The CIPS will then take them to the stakeholders, departments and institutions to disseminate, develop appropriate technologies to benefit the marginalised fishing communities.
SAKTI will take up the traditional mapping and train the fishermen in 33 fishing villages in Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts. It will begin with Pentakota of Payakaraopeta mandal in Visakhapatnam district where 116 families are still dependent on fishing. While the map for Pentakota is available, during the two years they will also be prepared for the other villages, Dr. Sivaramakrishna says. It also creates awareness on fishermen following Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) norms, he says.
