Post by : Maya Rahman

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Oman has partnered with Future Cities Company "Tadum" to implement a cutting-edge system for tracking fishing vessels across the nation. The agreement was executed by Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi from the Ministry alongside Eng. Abdullah Rashid Al Badi, the CEO of Tadum. This initiative marks a significant advancement for both marine conservation and the organization of the fishing industry, allowing for comprehensive real-time oversight of boat movements 24/7. It’s designed to enable officials to respond promptly and efficiently to maritime emergencies.

The new tracking system will establish a nationwide platform that provides up-to-date information on fishing boats, including their routes and behaviors. Such data will assist the Ministry in better comprehending fishing activities and crafting more informed policies for fisheries management. Moreover, it aims to safeguard fish populations by rapidly detecting illegal activities and violations at specific locations.

In addition, the project enhances maritime safety by minimizing risks at sea and expediting search and rescue missions. In emergency scenarios, the system will relay crucial information instantly to the operations control center. The initiative will gradually encompass all traditional fishing vessels to ensure comprehensive monitoring of Oman’s fishing community. Utilizing a coastal LoRaWAN network capable of reaching up to 40 kilometers—and potentially 70 kilometers in certain regions—the technology is also backstopped by satellite communications, ensuring reliable data transmission even in remote marine areas. The system will meticulously record data regarding the vessel's location, speed, direction, status during stops, emergency signals, and any device tampering, thus providing a complete snapshot of vessel activity at all times.

For fishermen, the system enhances safety significantly. A dedicated emergency button can send immediate alerts in case of distress at sea. The comprehensive trip log aids in preventing the loss of boats and offers an official digital record for whenever needed. For the Ministry, the tracking system will bolster oversight of fisheries, facilitate improved fishing regulations, combat illegal fishing, and enhance national maritime security through integration with emergency and risk management agencies.

This agreement forms part of Oman’s larger strategy towards digital transformation within the maritime sector. The new system is poised to enhance governmental operations, provide superior services to fishermen, and protect marine ecosystems through modern, reliable technology.

#Business News