MSSRF’s Fisher Friend Mobile App Wins Prestigious IUCN Tech4Nature Conservation Award
The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) received the Tech4Nature Award at the IUCN World Conservation Congress for its "Fisher Friend Mobile Application." The app uses geolocation technology to provide real-time "No-Fishing Zone Alerts," helping fishers avoid protected nesting sites of endangered Olive Ridley turtles. This prevents accidental incursions into areas like the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, protecting marine biodiversity while saving fishers from legal penalties. Developed with support from Qualcomm and INCOIS, the app serves over 1,22,000 users across nine coastal states in India, offering information in nine languages.
Key Points
- The app provides real-time alerts to fishers when they approach notified nesting sites and marine protected areas.
- It helps protect endangered Olive Ridley turtles by enforcing seasonal fishing bans through virtual boundaries.
- The tool functions offline, which is crucial for boats operating outside mobile network coverage.
- It integrates weather alerts, potential fishing zones, and government schemes to support coastal livelihoods.
Exam Facts
- The app was developed by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in collaboration with INCOIS.
- Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary is a key conservation zone mentioned for Olive Ridley turtles.
- The award was presented at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
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