The Indian government has launched a transformative drive under the Coastal Fishery Modernization program in 2025, aiming to equip small-scale fishermen with GPS tracking kits and modern safety tools. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is part of India’s broader Blue Economy mission and seeks to enhance both livelihood security and marine navigation safety for coastal fishing communities.
With over 30 lakh fishermen depending on marine resources for daily income, the Coastal Fishery Modernization project introduces much-needed technology to track vessels, prevent illegal fishing, and reduce accidents at sea. The initiative is already operational in several coastal states, and thousands of fishermen have begun receiving their GPS kits and training.
Objective and Scope of the Modernization Initiative
The Coastal Fishery Modernization program is focused on digitally empowering traditional fishermen, ensuring they are not left behind in India’s push toward a tech-enabled economy. These GPS-enabled systems provide navigation help, weather alerts, and safety communication in deep waters.
Key goals of the initiative include:
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Equip small and medium fishing boats with GPS tracking systems
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Reduce instances of marine accidents and missing boats
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Enable real-time monitoring by Coastal Security and Fisheries Departments
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Prevent border violations and accidental trespassing into foreign waters
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Improve data collection and marine resource management
This GPS upgrade initiative under the Coastal Fishery Modernization program is especially crucial for areas frequently hit by cyclones, strong tides, and unpredictable weather.
What’s Included in the GPS Kit and Safety Tools
Each GPS kit provided under the Coastal Fishery Modernization project is designed to be user-friendly, waterproof, and solar-powered to suit the harsh sea environment. In addition to location tracking, the kit includes emergency communication features and weather updates.
Standard GPS kit components:
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Compact marine-grade GPS tracker with route memory
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Distress alert system with SOS feature
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SMS-based and satellite communication options
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Weather update module for alerts and forecasting
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Instruction manual and fishermen training card
Fishermen using these devices can receive instant location data and communicate with coast guards or marine officials during emergencies—making the Coastal Fishery Modernization scheme both a livelihood and life-saving project.
Eligibility and Application Process
The government has prioritized small-scale boat owners and traditional fishermen who operate non-mechanized or semi-mechanized boats under 10 meters in length. These beneficiaries are identified by local fisheries departments, cooperatives, and panchayats.
Eligibility for receiving GPS kits under the scheme:
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Indian citizens registered as traditional fishermen
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Owning or operating small fishing boats (manual or low HP motorized)
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No prior subsidy received for similar equipment
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Willingness to attend a 2-hour training session on GPS usage
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Verified by State Fisheries Department or Marine Police
The Coastal Fishery Modernization kits are distributed free of cost or with 90% subsidy, depending on the fisher’s category and region.
States Leading the Modernization Drive
Several coastal states have already begun large-scale implementation of the Coastal Fishery Modernization program. Over 1.5 lakh GPS kits are expected to be distributed by December 2025.
| State | GPS Kits Distributed | Fishermen Trained |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 40,000+ | 35,000+ |
| Kerala | 30,000+ | 27,500+ |
| Andhra Pradesh | 25,000+ | 22,000+ |
| Odisha | 20,000+ | 18,000+ |
| Maharashtra | 18,000+ | 15,500+ |
The rollout of the Coastal Fishery Modernization scheme is being supported by district-level fisheries officials and coastal police stations to ensure smooth deployment and monitoring.
FAQs
What is the Coastal Fishery Modernization initiative?
The Coastal Fishery Modernization is a 2025 government initiative to equip small-scale fishermen with GPS tracking devices and safety tools to improve marine safety and efficiency.
Who is eligible to receive the GPS kits?
Small boat operators, traditional fishermen registered with the State Fisheries Department, and those operating boats under 10 meters are eligible under the Coastal Fishery Modernization scheme.
What tools are included in the GPS kit?
Each kit includes a marine GPS tracker, distress alert button, weather update system, and a communication interface under the Coastal Fishery Modernization program.
Is there any cost involved for the fishermen?
Most fishermen receive the GPS kits at no cost or with up to 90% subsidy, based on their region and income category, under the Coastal Fishery Modernization scheme.
How can fishermen apply for the kit?
Eligible fishermen can apply through local fisheries offices or cooperatives. The Coastal Fishery Modernization drive also includes field officers who help with verification and training.
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