Hilsa-Fishery Advisory Service
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
Availability Potential
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
Availability Potential
| Title | INCOIS - Hilsa Fishery Advisory (HiFA) for West Bengal | |
|---|---|---|
| About | Generation of Hilsa fish catch spatial maps for the West Bengal coast, with demarcation of low to high catch zones using machine-learning (ML) algorithms. Generation of spatial maps of Hilsa fish potential availability for the West Bengal coast, with demarcation of low to high catch zones using machine-learning (ML) algorithms. The advisory is generated exclusively for the Hilsa fishing season i.e. from Jun to September and excludes the local fishing ban period. | |
| Horizontal resolution | 0.083° x 0.083° | |
| Time range and Temporal resolution | Daily with 3 days in advance | |
| Variables | Predicted Hilsa Availability Potential | |
| Domain |
Spatial Extent: 87.35 E - 89.25 E, 20.5 N - 21.7 N |
Ownership | INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services) |
| Data provider | INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services) | |
| Scientific Basis | ||
Hilsa fishery in India, particularly in West Bengal's Ganga-Brahmaputra delta and Hugli estuary, supports millions of livelihoods and contributes nearly 90% of the country's total Hilsa catch. Traditionally, the hilsa fishing is guided by artisanal knowledge, but there has been a growing demand from the fishing community for species-specific advisories. Responding to this need, INCOIS has developed species-specific Hilsa fishery advisories for the West Bengal coast, leveraging machine-learning (ML) algorithms.
Georeferenced Hilsa CPUE data and environmental variables were used to train a spatial prediction model for the monsoon season (June-September). Operational since Augusr 2024, these advisories provide three-day advance spatial prediction maps at a 0.083° resolution, aiding sustainable fisheries during the peak Hilsa season. The advisory maps are categorized into 'very low,' 'low,' 'medium,' high and ' very high' for ease of understanding. This categorization is based on the quartile distribution of the data used for model development.
Hilsa is a migratory fish that migrates to coastal areas and estuaries of the northern Bay of Bengal, particularly during the southwest monsoon. Therefore, advisories are generated exclusively for the Hilsa fishing season, which spans from June to September each year. Furthermore, the advisories are not issued during the fishing ban period.
Disclaimers:
Fishermen are strictly advised to follow local weather warnings and sea condition advisories issued by competent authorities. Do not venture into the sea during rough weather or when restrictions are in place, even if fishing advisories are available. Safety must always come first.
The Hilsa fishery advisory provided by INCOIS is based on scientific models and machine learning techniques developed using the best available information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, the advisory is not a guarantee of fish availability. Variability in ocean conditions and natural behaviour of the species may affect actual catch. INCOIS is not responsible for any loss or damage arising from the use of this information. Users are advised to consider this advisory as a guiding tool and combine it with their local knowledge and experience before making fishing decisions.